Following a decision that categorizes Russia's annexation of Crimea as an occupation, President Vladimir Putin has issued orders to formally withdraw the Federation's signature from the founding edict of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The move has symbolically criticized the tribunal's pursuit to establish an international legal order that will prosecute crimes against humanity.
This development comes on the heels of a pull-out from three African nations that complained against extreme probing and prosecution by the ICC. South Africa, Gambia and Burundi have expressed their plans to nullify their memberships from the governing body.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the criminal court has been unproductive in assessing global situations. Moreover, the tribunal has been biased in handing down rulings.
Although Moscow has collaborated with the ICC by agreeing with the directives of the Rome statute back in 2000, Russia have never ratified the deal which means that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Federation.
According to Tanya Lokshina of the Human Rights Watch (HRW), Russia's latest act indicates declining the international approach on justice.
After the court rulings on the 2008 conflict between Russia and Georgia, Moscow has declared that it will reassess its relations with the ICC.
Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the foreign ministry, says at the time that Russia hopes that the court will make a relevant impact on stabilizing international relations through the rule of law.
The latest development has compelled Moscow to re-evaluate its connection with the ICC. In reference to the annexation of Crimea, Russia has reiterated that a referendum favored the peninsula to join the Federation.
Russia's recent decision may also have to do with the coverage of the court. Considering its participation in the Syrian conflict, it is perilous for the governing body to get a grasp at the operational campaign of Russian forces.
The possibility of a forthcoming investigation has become apparent lately. Both US Secretary of State John Kerry and France's President Francois Hollande have called for a probe against Russia with regards to its aerial bombardment in rebel-held parts of Aleppo last month.
While the ICC has only noble intentions in mind, there is no guarantee that it can properly implement its rulings. A number of influential member-nations like the US, China, India and Turkey have not signed the accord. Although Egypt, Iran and Israel have their signatures on record, their governments are unlikely to affirm their commitments.
