Ukraine’s Plan to Prosecute Collaborators
New legislation remains open to interpretation by law enforcement agencies and judges.
New legislation remains open to interpretation by law enforcement agencies and judges.
Conflicting laws make pursuing such cases more difficult – while criminalising some former fighters may only serve Russian interests.
An independent judiciary is essential to guarantee democracy and demonstrate that, despite the war, the country is continuing to implement change.
With some 1.5 million Ukrainians already expelled to Russia, legal experts weigh options for prosecution.
Legal expert warns that sexual violence is being used as a “tool of psychological terror, intimidation and torture”.
Steep learning curve for Ukrainian justice system now tasked with prosecuting complex crimes under international humanitarian law.
“To understand what's happening, you have to multiply Bucha and Irpin and Borodyanka a hundred times.”
“I heard screams, heard others being interrogated. They were simply tortured.”
International and Ukrainian media need to do more to avoid cliché and self-censorship - while giving those in the occupied territories a voice.
Campaigners note lessons and warnings as the UN tribunal ends its work.