How to Punish War Crimes: Recent German Experiences in Bringing War Criminals to Justice

​Crimes against humanity must not go unpunished: No matter where they are committed, no matter who commits them. This is the ambitious and powerful conviction that underpins international criminal law. Germany has been striving for several years – particularly in light of its own history – to put this conviction into action. Landmark decisions have been handed down by German courts against perpetrators belonging to the Assad regime in Syria. Today, the German Federal Public Prosecutor General is investigating Russian war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. Once again, we wish to send a clear message: We know what you are doing, we are watching closely, and ultimately we will hold you to account.