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Under consideration PE2207: I demand the Scottish Parliament create a pilot court to try Russian war criminals with Ukraine
I demand that the Scottish Government establish a pilot court to try Russian war criminals in cooperation with Ukraine and international bodies. This will make Scotland a center of international justice, ensuring punishment for the guilty, protection of victims, and adherence to international law, strengthening the country's authority globally and demonstrating commitment to justice and international legal principles.
Background information
The situation with Russian war crimes in Ukraine is massive and systematic: killings of civilians, torture, deportations, and destruction of infrastructure. International tribunals, including the ICC in The Hague, and Ukrainian national courts are physically and procedurally unable to efficiently handle all cases, especially against mid- and lower-level command personnel. Ukraine needs partners to transfer some cases to expedite justice and protect victims’ rights. Scotland has an independent judicial system, experience cooperating with international organizations, and infrastructure to hold trials, including in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Establishing a pilot court would allow cases against Russian war criminals to be heard on Scottish territory, ensuring transparency, compliance with international law, and witness protection. This would set an example for other countries and strengthen the international justice system.
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This petition is now under consideration
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