MBABANE:Sibusiso Nhlabatsi,a highly regarded human rights lawyer in eSwatini says the warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court(ICC)against Russian President Vladimir Putin has finally ended the perception and or criticism that it was established to target African leaders.
Speaking to this Swaziland News current affairs programme shortly after the arrest warrant was issued,the lawyer said it was historic to see the ICC issuing a warrant of arrest against an individual regarded as one of the most powerful leaders in the world.
“It was historic and a surprise that ended the perception suggesting that the ICC was only targeting African leaders. The warrant of arrest issued against one of the most powerful leaders in the world means the international court can issue such warrants against anyone if there is evidence amounting to reasonable belief that crimes were committed,”said the lawyer.
Russian President Vladimir Putin who invaded Ukraine is wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes.
On another note,the lawyer said the escalating tension between the superpowers might affect diplomatic relations between eSwatini and countries linked to the West.He said in as much as eSwatini has a sovereign right to associate with countries like Russia,it might be forced to choose whether it stands with Russia or the countries that are against the war in Ukraine.
King Mswati and Russian President Vladimir Putin.