Former Prosecutor General of Russia, RGSU professor Yuri Skuratov.
Photo: Ivan MAKEEV
On Monday, September 18, the United Nations International Court of Justice in The Hague begins hearings on the February 2022 lawsuit against Russia “for violation of the genocide convention in connection with the conduct of a Russian special military operation in the territory of the republic
According to news agencies, “judicial hearings on the corresponding lawsuit will take place from September 18 to 27.” This block of meetings is dedicated to “preliminary objections raised by Moscow.”
We talked about this topic on Radio Komsomolskaya Pravda with Yuri Skuratov, a well-known specialist in international law in Europe, doctor of law.
… – Yuri Ilyich, how would you, as an international lawyer, comment on all this, how does this threaten Russia?
– In fact, in February Ukraine submitted this claim.
– And last year.
– Yes, to the International Criminal Court, and there has already been a preparatory meeting in The Hague.
– The International Criminal Court is the only UN institution that is not based in New York, but in The Hague.
– Yes. So, the Russian side did not appear. But, as a sign of respect for the court, she provided a written explanation of his position.
– And what is this position?
– Our position is that we (in this part) do not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (in this particular dispute). We believe that this is not a violation of this convention.
But we are talking about an armed conflict and at the same time we rely on completely different reasons than kyiv for its appearance.
The nature of this conflict is different: we rely on the norms of the United Nations Charter on the right of a nation to self-determination and in this case we do not recognize the jurisdiction of this court.
– But there have already been precedents when they tried to “sue” us… At an international level. But…
– As history shows, yes, this is not the first time such an attempt has been made in the West.
The Americans repeatedly tried to use this court against the Soviet Union, and without success. At one time, when there was a fleeting war, the Georgian side also tried to use the mechanism of the International Criminal Court.
– Refers to the conflict between Georgia and Ossetia in August 2008.
– Yes, it is absolutely true. But ultimately the court ruled that no preliminary pretrial procedures were used to prepare this issue. That is, (the trial – AG) was closed and Georgia did not achieve its objective.
– How is he now?
– Well, it’s hard to say how the situation will develop. But I think our position is correct. We believe that there is no reason for the United Nations International Criminal Court to intervene here.
– That is, Russia, like the Soviet Union in its time, as well as during the history of Georgia, is not in danger?
– I think, practically, yes. There is no danger. Of course, I would like the court to make the right decision. And for this, Russia has already completed a series of certain measures to clarify its position.
– Thank you so much.
