Dutch forensic team will return to Ukraine in spring

05.12.2022 12:17

Ukrinform

The Dutch forensic team, which investigated war crimes in Ukraine, has returned to its homeland but will come to Ukraine again in the spring.

As the Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands reports, in recent weeks a team of Dutch specialists of about 40 people investigated war crimes in Ukraine. In particular, they collected evidence, interviewed witnesses, and conducted DNA examinations. In addition, the protection of digital information, including from cameras and computers, was ensured. The evidence is submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) which will decide whether to proceed with criminal prosecution.

The experts plan to return to Ukraine in the spring of 2023.

"The group investigated war crimes in difficult conditions. They should not go unpunished. Thank you very much for your important work," Netherlands' Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren posted on Twitter.

As reported, in October, a Dutch group of forensic experts came to Ukraine for the second time to help investigate war crimes.

Experts work on the ground, including at mass graves. They conduct DNA examinations and study photos, messages, for example, through WhatsApp, which may indicate the commission of war crimes.

The results are submitted to the International Criminal Court for further use in any legal proceedings.