The Daily Why Proving War Crimes Is Difficult and Rare
Apr 6, 2022
Roger Cohen, the Paris bureau chief for The New York Times, brings his insights on the complexities of prosecuting war crimes. He delves into the chilling realities faced by civilians in Bucha, comparing it to past atrocities in places like Srebrenica. The conversation highlights the arduous process of gathering evidence and the legal intricacies involved in bringing perpetrators to justice. Cohen emphasizes the emotional toll on communities and the crucial need for accountability in the face of historical and ongoing brutalities.
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Daughter Killed in Garden
- In Bucha, Carlotta Gall encountered a distressed woman who led her to a garden.
- Russian tanks fired upon the woman's daughter after she mistook them for Ukrainian troops.
Atrocities in War
- Roger Cohen, having covered wars, recognizes the horror and familiarity of atrocities.
- The Bucha killings appear to be war crimes due to the targeting of civilians.
Defining War Crimes
- International law mandates distinguishing between combatants and civilians.
- Intentionally targeting civilians or civilian spaces constitutes a war crime.