Netherlands approves hosting full operations of Special Tribunal on Russia's aggression
The Dutch government has decided to host not only the preparatory phases of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, but also its full operational phase.
Source: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Sybiha said the Netherlands decided to host not only the preparatory phases of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (Phase 0 – Advance Team; Phase 1 – Skeleton Tribunal), but also its full operational phase (Phase 2 – fully fledged operational Special Tribunal).
Phase 1 (Skeleton Tribunal) is the transitional stage. During this phase, the institutional framework is established in The Hague: 15 judges are selected for the roster, a Registrar is appointed, core staff are gradually recruited, procedural rules are adopted, international cooperation agreements are concluded, and the administrative and technical infrastructure is put in place. At this stage, the tribunal does not yet administer justice but completes preparations for becoming fully operational.
Phase 2 (fully fledged Tribunal) marks the tribunal's full operation. Once the preparatory stages are complete, the institution begins exercising its jurisdiction by launching investigations, issuing indictments, conducting trials and delivering judgments on the crime of aggression.
By then, all key bodies must be established, permanent premises and security infrastructure put in place, and the mechanisms for international cooperation required for the effective administration of justice fully operational.
Quote: "This decision goes far beyond an organisational matter. It demonstrates the international community's readiness to move from supporting the very idea of accountability to creating an institution that will deliver it in practice."
Details: Sybiha said the Special Tribunal is now moving beyond the stage of concepts and political discussions and is taking on a real institutional shape.
Background:
- At a meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 15 May, participants approved a key decision in the process of launching the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
- The Office of the President of Ukraine expects the special tribunal to begin operating next year.
- Sybiha said in Chișinău that the tribunal would help Russian leader Vladimir Putin achieve his dream of going down in history.
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