Lithuanian justmin talks Russian war tribunal with Irish rep

VILNIUS – Lithuanian Justice Minister Ewelina Dobrowolska on Friday met with James Browne, minister of state at the Irish Department of Justice, in Vilnius to discuss the establishment of a special tribunal to investigate Russian war crimes. 

"In the face of the military aggression in Ukraine, Lithuania's leadership in seeking legal mechanisms to ensure Russia's full accountability is bearing fruit as the first arrest warrants have already been issued. Nevertheless, our country remains actively engaged in all international formats on this issue, with a particular focus on the establishment of a special international tribunal," Dobrowolska said.

She also stressed the importance of discussing court verdicts in absentia as international law provides for such a possibility, and she also stressed the importance of states' support and consolidation to deliver international justice, the Justice Ministry said.

The special tribunal should become a legitimate and authoritative justice mechanism capable of effectively carrying out its task of holding representatives of the Russian political and military leadership accountable for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, and the contribution of each country to its establishment is important, it was stated during the meeting.

Moreover, as Ireland is set to join the European Public Prosecutor's Office, Lithuania's experience in this area was presented, as well as Ireland's work in preparing the necessary legislative framework and adopting national legislation.

Ukraine, Lithuania and other countries in the region are pushing for the establishment of a special tribunal to investigate crimes of aggression committed by Russia, and it would also bring the Kremlin's leaders to justice.