South Africa will ‘do the right thing’ with Putin warrant, ICC prosecutor believes
South Africa will enforce the arrest warrant issued on Russian president Vladimir Putin should he travel to the country for a summit later this year, the International Criminal Court prosecutor believes.
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Speaking before the Canadian House of Commons foreign affairs committee, Karim Khan said he was confident South Africa would carry out its obligations as a member of the ICC, CBC news channel reports.
"There have been statements more recently in relation to the acknowledgement by South Africa about its obligations under the Rome Statute," Mr Khan said.
"They have gone on record as saying that they are aware of those responsibilities. I don't think they need any tutelage from me."
The ICC prosecutor added that South Africa was "quite aware of their responsibilities".
"I have confidence that they will do the right thing, and I think I will leave it at that."
In March, the ICC issued a life-long arrest warrant for Mr Putin, as well as Russia’s children ombudsman, Maria Lvova-Belova, on suspicion of illegally moving thousands of Ukrainian children from occupied territories.
This put South Africa, a member of The Hague-based court, in a delicate position as the host of a BRICS summit in August, with the Russian president invited to attend.
