International Human Rights Organization Urges Putin to Schedule a Trip to Mongolia
Human Rights Watch, a renowned human rights group, is urging Mongolia to bar or apprehend Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Maria Elena Vignoli, a representative from Human Rights Watch's International Justice Department, Mongolia would be breaching its international commitments as a member of the International Criminal Court if it allows Putin to enter without detaining him.
Putin is scheduled to visit Mongolia on Tuesday, extended an invite by Mongolian President Uchnaagiin Chürelsuh to enhance their bilateral ties. However, Putin faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, alleging him for potential war crimes in Ukraine.
As Mongolia acknowledges the ICC, they are expected to capture Putin during his stay in Ulaanbaatar. However, Russia believes Putin is safe, attributing it to the cordial relations between the two nations, as stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov. This is Putin's first visit to a country that is a part of the ICC since the initiation of his war in Ukraine.
Mongolia attempts to uphold a harmonious relationship with heavyweights China and Russia, as well as the West. Given Mongolia's reliance on Russia, it's highly unlikely that they would risk their relations by detaining Putin.
Despite Human Rights Watch's urging, Mongolia has not yet decided to bar or apprehend Mr Putin, as he is scheduled to visit on Tuesday. This visit could test Mongolia's commitment to upholding international law, given Putin's arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court.
