Don’t Stop At Putin

Paul Knaggs writes:

Don’t Stop at Putin: ICC Should Prosecute All War Criminals, Including Zelensky, Bush, Blair and Biden

It’s not often that we see a major world leader being the subject of an arrest warrant issued by an international court. But that’s exactly what’s happened with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The warrant may be “symbolic,” as a lawyer and legal commentator Joshua Rozenberg has pointed out, but it does send a message: no one is above the law.

But that message should extend to everyone involved in this conflict and all conflicts.

So if the ICC are dishing out arrest warrants then why not one for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky? Should he also be held responsible for war crimes or other crimes committed against the people of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts? That’s a question that has been raised by some, as the conflict continued to rage on for over eight years climaxing in a Russian invasion of that region, the reason given by Russia was to protect the people of Donbas.

Don’t Stop at Putin: ICC Should Prosecute All War Criminals, Including Zelensky

There are certainly cases of human rights abuses and atrocities committed by both sides in this conflict, and it’s clear that innocent civilians have been caught in the crossfire. However, it’s important to note that the Ukrainian government has been recognized as the legitimate government of Ukraine by the international community, and as such, it has the right to defend its territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens.

Don’t Stop at Putin: ICC Should Prosecute All War Criminals, Including Biden

Oh! And chuck one in for Biden, the man that has done more to pour fuel onto the Ukrianian fire than any person walking, not to mention the environmental disaster caused by the car of terrorism committed in his name by the US in blowing up the Nordstream pipelines.

It’s abundantly clear that the credibility of the so-called “international community” takes a significant hit when they selectively choose whom to prosecute for war crimes, rather than those who meet the established criteria for such crimes.

Don’t Stop at Putin: ICC Should Prosecute All War Criminals, Including Bush and Blair

The idea of accountability for those in power is a crucial one, particularly in times of war. The integrity of international justice demands that the criteria for war crimes be applied universally, without regard for the identity or status of the individuals involved. It is therefore not surprising that many have called for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for Tony Blair and George Bush, based on the evidence of war crimes committed during the Iraq War.

The invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a reckless and ill-conceived act, one that resulted in immense human suffering and destruction. The fact that it was launched on the basis of falsehoods and fabrications only adds to the gravity of the situation. Yet, despite the overwhelming evidence of war crimes committed by those in power, there has been little accountability.

The notion of an “international community” loses all meaning when it is used as a cover for political manoeuvring and convenient scapegoating. The failure to hold all accountable for their actions, regardless of political or personal affiliations, not only undermines the concept of justice but also fosters a climate of impunity for those who commit heinous acts in times of conflict, and more so the politicians that sign those orders off.

The integrity of international justice demands that the criteria for war crimes be applied universally, without regard for the identity or status of the individuals involved.

This is why the call for the ICC to take action is so important and should be universally levelled at anyone that meets the criteria to be charged with war crimes. It is a reminder that those in power are not above the law, and that their actions must be subject to scrutiny and accountability. The fact that Tony Blair and George Bush are still walking free, while countless innocent civilians in Iraq have suffered and died as a result of their actions, is a travesty of justice.

Equally important is the call for the release of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, who played a crucial role in exposing the atrocities committed during the Iraq War. Assange’s work was instrumental in bringing to light the truth about the war, and his persecution by those in power is a clear indication of their determination to suppress the truth.

The fact that Assange has been imprisoned for years, in conditions that have been widely criticized as inhumane, is a disgrace. It is a clear violation of his rights, and a warning to others that speaking truth to power comes at a great cost.

In the end, the call for accountability and justice must be heeded. If the ICC is to break cover and not just be another facet of the US it must take action against those responsible for all war crimes including those in Iraq, and Julian Assange must be released from prison. Only then can we begin to heal the wounds caused by War, and work towards a future where those in power are held accountable for their actions.