The government is to execute the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant and arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he sets foot in South Africa.
That's according to an order by the Pretoria High Court on Friday that comes despite confirmation that Putin will not be attending the BRICS summit in South Africa in August.
The court application was brought by the Democratic Alliance.
Amnesty International South Africa, which joined the case as a friend of the court, has welcomed the decision.
“We welcome the order of the High Court in Pretoria and the South African government's agreement [in the matter],” said Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed.
“This is a win for the rule of law and international justice, and most importantly victims in Ukraine.
“South Africa needs to continue leading in the fight for international justice for all victims of crimes under international law. International mechanisms such as the ICC as well as domestic efforts of states like South Africa are essential for truth, justice, and reparations for victims of grave crimes everywhere.”
She said Amnesty International has been working to document war crimes and other violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine since 2014 and subsequently following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The BRICS summit is set to take place in South Africa from 22 to 24 August 2023.
