Kathrine Frich
He is currently in a country that has the obligation to arrest him, but that does not mean they will do it.
He is currently in a country that has the obligation to arrest him, but that does not mean they will do it.
A country obliged to arrest him
Vladimir Putin has arrived in Tajikistan for a three-day state visit, but his presence has drawn international attention for another reason.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an appeal to Tajik authorities, reminding them of their legal obligation to arrest him.
Tajikistan is a signatory to the Rome Statute and, therefore, bound by its rules.
ICC demands cooperation
In a letter made public on Thursday, Paivi Kaukoranta, president of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, called on Tajikistan to comply with its legal responsibilities.
“The Court’s ability to fulfill its mandate depends on states fulfilling their obligations to cooperate, in particular with regard to the arrest and surrender of persons subject to arrest warrants,” the letter states.
Putin wanted for war crimes since 2023
The ICC has sought Putin’s arrest since March 2023.
He is accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine, specifically the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, which has reportedly taken place since at least February 24, 2022.
The case is considered one of the most serious human rights violations of the war.
Putin received with honours
Putin landed in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, on Wednesday and was welcomed by President Emomali Rahmon.
Together, they visited a national monument and laid a wreath at the statue of Ismail Somoni, a symbolic gesture underscoring continued ties between the two countries, despite the arrest warrant hanging over Putin’s head.
Putin uses summit to deepen regional alliances
The visit coincides with the Russia–Central Asia summit and a meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) heads of state.
During his stay, Putin aims to meet with several regional leaders, including Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, in a bid to solidify influence across post-Soviet territories.
Tajik migrants praised by Putin
In a speech during the visit, Putin acknowledged the contribution of over one million Tajik migrants working in Russia.
“They significantly contribute to the growth of the Russian economy,” he said, according to TASS.
The comment came against a backdrop of increased xenophobic rhetoric and crackdowns in Russia following the 2024 Crocus City Hall bombing.
Not the first to ignore ICC arrest warrant
This is not the first time an ICC member state has hosted Putin without acting on the arrest warrant.
In 2024, Mongolia allowed the Russian leader to pass through its territory without interference.
Similarly, Hungary declined to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a recent visit, despite an ICC warrant in his name.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
