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WAR CRIMES

ICC deputy prosecutor says in absentia hearing for Putin, Netanyahu ‘conceivable’


ICC deputy prosecutor says in absentia hearing for Putin, Netanyahu ‘conceivable’

A picture taken on Nov. 28, 2025 in the Hague shows the outside of the International Criminal Court (ICC) prior to an appeal ruling on the provisional release of former Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte (80), Nov. 28, 2025. (Credit: Lina Selg/ AFP)

It would be "conceivable" to hold an in-absentia hearing against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Russian President Vladimir Putin, the deputy prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Friday.

"We tested it in the Kony case. It's a cumbersome process. But we tried it and we realised it was possible and useful," said Mame Mandiaye Niang in an interview with AFP.

Niang was referring to an unprecedented "confirmation of charges" hearing against fugitive Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony earlier this year, held in absentia.

It would be "conceivable" to hold an in-absentia hearing against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Russian President Vladimir Putin, the deputy prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Friday.

"We tested it in the Kony case. It's a cumbersome process. But we tried it and we realised it was possible and useful," said Mame Mandiaye Niang in an interview with AFP.

Niang was referring to an unprecedented "confirmation of charges" hearing against fugitive Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony earlier this year, held in absentia.