Bloomberg: Putin may be convicted of aiding Assad

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government may be condemned for inciting war crimes. About Bloomberg Review writes with reference to international law experts.

The reason for this can serve as a support for the Syrian army. It is reported that the military Bashar Assad used chemical weapons and torturing the civilian population, which is why Russia could be accused of complicity in war crimes. Such accusations have been leveled against Liberian President Charles Taylor, supporting the rebels in Sierra Leone.

"In this situation, Russia can be prosecuted," - said former US ambassador Stephen Rapp.

"If the government supported the Syrian Air Force war crimes, including dropping bombs on civilians, it will be responsible. Vladimir Putin, including, "- said Rapp.

He also said that Russia could be convicted even if you took no part in war crimes. For the prosecution enough to prove that Russian officials were aware of the actions of Assad. In this case, we can prove that Russia provided substantial assistance to the Assad regime.

Other experts believe that to prove the guilt of Russia in this case would be hard enough. "If Syria makes international crime and pursues its own citizens, and Russia has its military support, it will be difficult to prove Russia's responsibility for atrocities," - says Professor of International Law, William Schabas.

Schabas notes that other countries may also be charged with aiding and abetting war crimes. For example, the United States, which provide support to Iraqi military and the army of South Sudan accused of war crimes. However, in the US there is "Leahy Law", according to which the aid is necessary to prevent the armed forces that violate human rights. In Russia there is no such law.

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