Russia and Syria Must Face War Crimes Investigation

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Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Hywel Williams MP

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Hywel Williams MP, has called for the perpetrators of the repeated bombing of civilians, hospitals and aid convoys should be brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Highlighting comments from the French president and the US’s Secretary of State who have both called for an ICC investigation, Mr Williams called on the UK Government to add its weight to the calls.

Plaid Cymru opposed UK bombing of Syria on the grounds that the conflict in Syria is a multifaceted civil war which Western policy does not reflect.

The Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court, has been ratified by 123 countries. The United States, Russia and Syria however, are not members. However a case could be made to the ICC through a UN Security Council referral.

Commenting, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Hywel Williams MP, said:

“The perpetrators of the repeated bombing of civilians, hospitals and aid convoys must be brought before the International Criminal Court for their crimes. The innocent civilians who have been killed in Syria are victims of war crimes and those who are responsible must face an investigation.

“The case against Russia and Syria is clear and backed by firm evidence. The UK Government must add its weight to calls already being made by France and the US for an ICC investigation.

“Plaid Cymru voted against bombing Syria. We were told that such bombing would be carefully controlled to exclude danger to civilians but it is clear that neither Russia nor Syria are taking such precautions. Indeed, it seems as though they specifically target civilians. Taking them before the ICC for such actions would therefore be consistent with UK policy on air strikes.

“The situation is desperate. The need for action is pressing and the UK has power and influence that it should be using in the international community.

“There is a duty on the West to ensure that the victims of this awful war receive justice. The UK has turned a blind eye to such crimes in the past and we cannot let it happen again. ”


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