closer schreef op 18 juli 2023 16:47:
2m ago 15.43 BST
Arresting Russia’s President Vladimir Putin would amount to a declaration of war on Russia, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa wrote in court papers released on Tuesday as the country wrangles over hosting the Russian leader.
Putin has been invited to a BRICS summit in Johannesburg next month but is the target of an international criminal court arrest warrant – a provision that Pretoria as an ICC member would be expected to implement were he to attend, AFP reports.
South Africa’s diplomatic dilemma is playing out in court, where the leading opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), is trying to force the government’s hand and ensure the Kremlin leader is held and handed over to the ICC if he steps foot in the country.
But in a responding affidavit, described the DA’s application as “irresponsible” and said national security was at stake.
Ramaphosa said:
"Russia has made it clear that arresting its sitting President would be a declaration of war.
It would be inconsistent with our constitution to risk engaging in war with Russia."
Signed in June and initially marked as “confidential”, Ramaphosa’s affidavit was published on Tuesday, after the court ruled related papers be made public.
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2023/j...