France wants Russia on war crimes charges

French President Francois Hollande has suggested Russia could face war crimes charges over its bombardment of Syria’s second city Aleppo. Mr Hollande told French TV this could take place in the International Criminal Court (ICC). He also said he might refuse to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is due to visit France next week. […]

French President Francois Hollande has suggested Russia could face war crimes charges over its bombardment of Syria’s second city Aleppo.
Mr Hollande told French TV this could take place in the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He also said he might refuse to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is due to visit France next week.
Last week Russia vetoed a Franco-Spanish UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to the bombing.
Moscow has repeatedly denied attacking civilians, and said it targets terrorist groups in Syria.
Neither Russia nor Syria is a member of the International Criminal Court.
“These are people who today are the victims of war crimes.
Those that commit these acts will have to face up to their responsibility, including in the ICC,” Mr Hollande told TMC.
“If I do receive him [Mr Putin], I will tell him that it is unacceptable. It could also seriously affect Russia’s image,” the French president added.