Amnesty International has lauded the court ruling on Friday, hailing it as a triumph for the victims of Russia’s war in Ukraine and a significant victory for the principles of international justice and the rule of law. The ruling compels the South African government to execute an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin if he ever sets foot in the country.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) took legal action against the government, seeking to clarify its obligations to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Following the court’s decision, Putin is now barred from traveling to South Africa, as he remains wanted by the ICC for war crimes.
Amnesty International, among several human rights organizations supporting the DA’s application as a friend of the court, expressed gratitude for the court order, emphasizing its importance in upholding the principles of truth, justice, and reparations for victims of grave crimes globally.