ICC Arrest Warrant for Putin Leads SA To Consult Legally Ahead of BRICS Summit, Citizens Split

• The government is seeking "refreshed" legal advice on the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant issued for President Vladimir Putin
• Putin is expected to attend the BRICS summit with other heads of state that will be held later this year in South Africa
• The Russian president is wanted for war crimes and the kidnapping and deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia

PRETORIA - The government is getting legal counselling on President Vladimir Putin's arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

South Africa will be hosting the BRICS Summit in August and weighing if the state will be required to arrest Putin should he attend. South Africa signed the Rome Statute on July 17, 1998, and thus might be obligated to execute the court's order, reported TimesLIVE.

Read also

Dmitry Medvedev warns ICC signatories that arresting Russian President Vladimir Putin is a declaration of war

The arrest warrant was issued on March 18, and the Russian president is accused of abducting Ukrainian children.

Naledi Pandor emphasises SA's stance on the war between Russia and Ukraine

According to News24, the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Naledi Pandor said on Friday that SA is worried about the citizens of Ukraine. Pandor added that SA wants to facilitate peace talks instead of choosing a side.

The Economic Freedom Fighters leader (EFF) Julius Malema has also spoken up about the dilemma and stated that Putin is welcome in the country. Malema vowed that the red berets would ensure Putin's safety at the upcoming summit.

SA citizens on social media discuss Putin's arrest warrant

Mpho Makoela said:

"We better avoid war with the USA. Putin better not come here, sanctions will be the end of us."

Read also

"President Putin is welcome": Malema vows to protect Russian leader during Brics summit

Nhla Nhla posted:

"This will end in tears. Just wait and see the sanctions that will be thrown. I can see the Rand dropping to $1 ~ R50. Putin can join virtually on Zoom."

Sakkie Pretorius added:

"Taking legal advice, there is no legal system in SA. Criminals have more rights in this country."

Mthokozisi Khumalo mentioned:

"We can't be used as a trigger for World War 3."

Grace Sebake commented:

"SA should not bother themselves with legal advice, whoever wants to arrest President Putin should do it in their territory, not here."

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrest warrant leaves SA government with tough decision

In a related story, Briefly News reported that the arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin issued by the International Criminal Court has left the South African government in a difficult position.

International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor spoke after meeting with her Sri Lankan counterpart in Pretoria on Wednesday, 22 March. She condemned the ICC’s decision and believes the warrant is serious and worrying.

Source: Briefly News