When selecting facts of Russian crimes for investigation cases, the International Criminal Court (ICC) takes into account the availability of evidence, the prospects for prosecution, and complementarity with the national investigation, explains ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan.

Khan said at a meeting with Ukrainian journalists in The Hague that they court is independent and not subordinate to any national body, that they also have a mandate for independent investigation on the territory of Ukraine.

He noted his very good relationship with Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin and stressed that, before taking a decision they consider a number of factors: the seriousness of the charge, the availability of evidence, they also take into account the obligation to move at a relevant speed, where the evidence seems to lead.

Khan also added that they have their strategic objectives, which are based on the seriousness, the availability of evidence and the prospects that this can lead to real results.

According to the ICC prosecutor, the process of determining the priorities of the investigation also takes into account the complementarity and mutuality of the investigation.

The ICC has its own independent jurisdiction, Khan said, but its communication with the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) is very open.