South Africa moves to let Putin attend BRICS

South Africa has indicated that it will allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend a BRICS summit, despite a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his arrest
      
Moscow rejects charges, says ICC has no authority as Russia is not member of organisation

Mar 23: Putin invited to attend BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August. BRICS group of emerging economies comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa

Apr: South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, appoints inter- ministerial committee to look into ICC warrant against Putin

May 30: South Africa says it will extend diplomatic immunity to all officials attending summit

Jun: Plans for submission of new law in South Africa’s parliament – could give power to decide whether or not to arrest leader wanted by ICC

BRICS summit, Aug 22-24
South Africa would be obliged to arrest Putin if he attends, as it is member of ICC

Mar 17, 2023
ICC issues arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin for war crimes relating to alleged deportation of children from Ukraine

Putin is third serving president to be target of ICC arrest warrant

Omar al-Bashir
Sudan’s former president was indicted in 2009 for war crimes and genocide. Has yet to face justice

Muammar Gaddafi
Libyan leader wanted for crimes against humanity. ICC case ended with his death in 2011


Sources: BBC, CBS News, ICC, Reuters Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS