Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, speaking in Geneva, expressed concerns regarding Russia’s issuance of arrest warrants against ICC officials and called for their prompt withdrawal. The ICC investigates and tries individuals charged with grave crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. The Court had previously issued arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova. In response, Russia opened cases against ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan and three Court judges. The ICC, established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, is a vital institution in fighting against impunity and should be able to carry out its functions without interference or intimidation.