Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be the subject of a war crime investigation at the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) for his support of Russia in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, as stated by a former ICC president.
According to Anadolu Agency, Song Sang-hyun made these remarks during a conference held in Seoul. The statement follows North Korea's confirmation last month that it had dispatched troops to Russia to aid in the Ukraine war, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
Song emphasized that although Kim has not been referred to the ICC for alleged human rights violations within North Korea, the current situation provides Ukraine with the necessary legal grounds to pursue a case against him. "The time is right to bring Kim Jong Un before the ICC," Song asserted, indicating that North Korea's military support to Russia offers Ukraine the legal basis to file a complaint.
Further, Song highlighted that while a complaint from Ukraine would be ideal, the ICC possesses the authority to initiate an independent investigation. He called on the ICC to adopt a stronger stance against war crimes committed by North Korea's leadership and its allies.