Belgian politicians denounce civilian killings in Bucha
In response to the "horrible images" from Bucha from Sunday, Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open Vld) reminded the European ministers of Justice and the European Commission last Monday of their position: no impunity for war crimes.
Together with seven European justice ministers, European Commissioner Didier Reynders agreed last Monday that Eurojust's genocide network will start to collect evidence and coordinate between member states. The International Criminal Court (ICC) was given the mandate to open an investigation, and Europol and police services will coordinate procedures for statements by victims and witnesses of war crimes in Ukraine, according to Van Quickenborne on Twitter.
Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmès reacted similarly: "The images from the city of #Bucha confirm the fears we have had since February, which have led us to support several international investigations, including that of the ICC. Impunity cannot be allowed."
Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden tweeted: "While the #rv2022 (Tour of Flanders, Ed.) gives us the joy of regained freedom, the images of inhumanity in Ukraine remain on my mind. A new line in Europe has been crossed. Very sad."
"Russian president Vladimir Putin reduces his army to the status of war criminals", according to N-VA chairman Bart De Wever. "The Russian people are close to my heart. But the horrendous misdeeds of their soldiers in Ukraine will haunt them forever. Precisely in the run-up to 9 May, Putin is reducing his army to the status of war criminals", he stated on social media.
DéFI chairman François De Smet talks about "images from a past that are unacceptable". "It is time to call these facts by their name, namely war crimes. The delivery of anti-aircraft equipment and the strengthening of sanctions are necessary to force Russia to stop this war."
© BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR - Foreign Affairs Minister Sophie Wilmes pictured during a plenary session of the Chamber at the Federal Parliament in Brussels, Thursday 31 March 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will make a statement.