Where evidence is collected to put Putin into jail: where to testify to ensure the world dictator faces justice

In a glass skyscraper in The Hague, directly opposite the Yugoslav Tribunal, lies the premises of Eurojust. In July 2023, the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine began operations there. This center plays a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the establishment of a tribunal. Its mission: to collect evidence.

This is discussed in a report by TSN journalist Natalia Yarmola.

At this location, 16 prosecutors from six countries - Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia and Romania - regularly convene. They specialize in collecting testimonies from refugees. Additionally, there are representatives from the United States and the International Criminal Court. Together, they gather, exchange, and systematize evidence for the future tribunal.

“The idea of Eurojust is to coordinate the efforts of different states, to avoid duplication of actions, repeated interrogations, or procedural steps. This fragmented information needs to be consolidated into a clear picture of the available evidence in each country. This led to the creation of the Electronic Database on Core International Crimes, where countries can submit evidence on major international crimes. These have already undergone preliminary verification and can be used directly in court. For instance, for a particular fact, we might have evidence from five countries or even 10. This prevents Ukrainian authorities from sending scattered requests for international legal assistance to various states, ensuring evidence can be directly utilized in court,” explained Ukraine’s Eurojust liaison prosecutor, Myroslava Krasnoborova.

This collaboration began in the earliest days of the full-scale invasion. As millions of Ukrainians fled bombs and occupation to Europe, it became crucial to preserve the testimonies of those who had witnessed crimes firsthand.

European countries bordering Russia and Ukraine took the lead in gathering evidence.

“Every testimony is a contribution to justice. Some people think their accounts are insignificant, but perhaps that very piece of the puzzle is what’s needed to prove a particular crime,” Krasnoborova said.

This system is unique - no other country has ever prepared for a trial during an active war.

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