Mongolia Must Deny Putin Entry or Arrest Him, Says Human Rights Watch

Mongolia must deny Russian President Vladimir Putin entry or arrest him if he enters the country, stated the reputable human rights organization Human Rights Watch.

Recently, the Kremlin announced that Putin plans to visit Mongolia on September 3, 2024, at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh.

It is noteworthy that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin on March 17, 2023, for war crimes relating to the illegal transfer of children from occupied territories in Ukraine to Russia.

“Mongolia will violate its international obligations as an ICC member if it allows President Vladimir Putin to visit and does not arrest him,” said Maria Elena Vignoli, senior counsel for international justice at Human Rights Watch.

She recalled that when Putin planned to attend last year's BRICS summit in South Africa, the country faced the same issue as Mongolia, as it is also an ICC member. Ultimately, the country declared that it recognized its obligation to arrest Putin, after which the visit did not take place, Vignoli noted.

“The Mongolian authorities now have the opportunity to specifically demonstrate their commitment to international justice by denying Putin entry or arresting him if he enters the country,” the advisor stated.