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Russia withdraws from International Criminal Court treaty Russia withdraws from International Criminal Court treaty
(about 4 hours later)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved an order which withdraws the nation's signature from the treaty governing the International Criminal Court (ICC). Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved an order to withdraw the nation from the process of joining the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Russia signed the so-called Rome statute in 2000 but never ratified the agreement to become a member. Russia signed the Rome statute, which governs the ICC, in 2000 but never ratified the agreement to become a member.
The decision came after an ICC ruling that Russia's activity in Crimea amounted to an "ongoing occupation." The decision came after an ICC ruling that Russia's activity in Crimea amounted to an "ongoing occupation".
Russia thus joins the US and other nations which have rejected the court.Russia thus joins the US and other nations which have rejected the court.
America initially signed the Rome statute under the Clinton administration but later withdrew, under the leadership of George W Bush. The court ruled Russia's 2014 takeover of the Crimea peninsula had been an armed conflict between it and Ukraine. This would mean the annexation fell under the court's jurisdiction.
Sudan and Israel have also withdrawn their signatures in the past, while other nations - including China and India - have rejected membership outright. But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the wording "contradicts reality", while the foreign ministry called the court "one-sided and inefficient".
The ICC was established to pass judgement on four international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression.
Russia has found itself the subject of the court's focus on more than one occasion. Earlier this year, the ICC authorised an investigation into the 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict in South Ossetia.Russia has found itself the subject of the court's focus on more than one occasion. Earlier this year, the ICC authorised an investigation into the 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict in South Ossetia.
'Armed conflict' In response to Russia's withdrawal, the court's chief prosecutor said: "We owe it to future generations not to abandon the ICC."
On Monday, the ICC released a preliminary report on a range of issues, part of which dealt with the Russian annexation of Crimea. The ICC was established to pass judgement on four international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression.
That report found that the dispute over the territory amounted to an "international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation." Withdrawals
"The situation within the territory of Crimea and Sevastopol factually amounts to an on-going state of occupation," it said. The US initially signed the Rome statute under the Clinton administration but later withdrew, under the leadership of George W Bush.
The United Nations human rights committee also approved a resolution this week, condemning Russia's "temporary occupation of Crimea." Sudan and Israel have also withdrawn their signatures in the past, while other nations - including China and India - have rejected membership outright.
Russia's foreign ministry was deeply critical of the ICC. Earlier this year, South Africa, Burundi and The Gambia all decided to withdraw completely. Several other African nations have also expressed doubt over the court's future, amid allegations that it is too focused on countries within the continent.
"Unfortunately, the court has not justified the hopes attached to it and has not become a genuinely independent authoritative organ of international justice," the ministry said. In the court's 14-year history it has only brought charges against Africans.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the decision was taken "in the national interest" and highlighted that since Russia had never ratified the Rome statute, it was simply a formality and did not change any legal jurisdiction. Analysis: Anna Holligan, The Hague
Earlier this year, South Africa also announced it would withdraw from the ICC in an argument over arrest warrants. Several other African nations have also expressed doubt over the future of the court. Russia is neither a member of the ICC nor a donor country. There is a sense here that this was a symbolic announcement, designed to undermine the legitimacy of the court at a time of unprecedented uncertainty following the withdrawal of three African nations.
And there are rumours more could follow - Kenya, Namibia and Uganda have indicated they are considering joining the exodus.
There has been a concerted effort to reassure countries that their concerns regarding the ICC's perceived bias towards African nations have been heard.
But it may be too little, too late.
The ICC chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, described recent withdrawals as "a set-back" and "a regression from what we all want to achieve - justice for atrocity crimes".
She told the BBC that African states were now speaking out in support of the court and "renewing their commitment".