The Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) expresses deep concern over reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), is expected to visit Tajikistan, an ICC State Party, on Thursday, 9 October 2025, for talks with President Emomali Rahmon.
Tajikistan’s legal obligations under the Rome Statute
“President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Tajikistan is a test of Tajikistan’s commitment to its obligations under international law. As a state party to the Rome Statute, Tajikistan has a clear legal duty to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court, including executing arrest warrants issued by the Court. Failure to uphold these obligations would signal Tajikistan’s disregard for accountability in the face of grave human rights violations. The international community must remind Tajikistan of its binding commitments under the Rome Statute and the fundamental principle that no one is above the law,” highlights Leila Nazgül Seiitbek, Founder of Freedom for Eurasia.
Tajikistan should signal clearly that it will not defy its commitment to justice for victims by revoking the invitation extended to an ICC suspect. “Tajikistan, as a party to the Rome Statute, has a clear responsibility to uphold the principles of international justice. President Putin’s upcoming visit presents a test of Tajikistan’s commitment to these obligations. We call on the Tajik authorities to act in accordance with international law and demonstrate that justice and accountability remain universal values, not subject to political convenience,” underscores Temur Varki, Head of Forum of Tajik Democratic Freethinkers.
As a State Party to the Rome Statute, Tajikistan has a clear legal obligation to cooperate fully with the ICC, including in the arrest and surrender of individuals subject to ICC warrants. Hosting or welcoming a fugitive from international justice would contravene these obligations and undermine the shared commitment to accountability that lies at the heart of the Rome Statute system.
“Putin should be in The Hague to face the charges against him, not attending summits hosted by an ICC member,” stresses Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch. “If it welcomes Putin, Tajikistan will be showing utter disregard for the suffering of victims of Russian forces’ crimes in Ukraine and for its own obligations as an ICC member.”
On 17 March 2023, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation, in the context of the situation in Ukraine. He is alleged to bear individual criminal responsibility for the war crimes of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation, acts prohibited under articles 8(2)(a)(vii) and 8(2)(b)(viii) of the Rome Statute. These crimes were allegedly committed in occupied Ukrainian territory from at least 24 February 2022.
A clear choice: justice for victims or impunity for suspects
“For victims of grave crimes committed in the course of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the International Criminal Court remains a key mechanism for ensuring accountability of the Russian leadership. The ICC arrest warrant — is a compelling recognition that Vladimir Putin may be responsible for the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children — has so far largely prevented him from freely traveling the world. For victims and survivors, it maintains a vital hope for justice, serving as a reminder that, while he may not yet be arrested, the perpetrator cannot enjoy impunity,” states Nadia Volkova, Director of the Ukrainian Legal Advisory Group (ULAG). “Welcoming Putin to Tajikistan would mean that a State Party to the Rome Statute is undermining the very Court it has pledged to uphold. It would also betray those who have suffered and continue to suffer from atrocities while indulging a suspected war criminal. States must arrest, not welcome perpetrators of grave international crimes.”
The Coalition respectfully urges the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan to reaffirm its commitment to justice and the rule of law by revoking the invitation extended to President Putin. Should Putin nevertheless travel to Tajikistan this week, Tajik authorities must proceed with his immediate arrest and surrender to the ICC, in accordance with Tajikistan’s international obligations. With the ICC and its officials facing increasing threats and attacks, including from Russia, now more than ever States Parties must abide by their legal obligations and ensure the Court can continue to work independently.
No ‘Business as Usual’ with ICC fugitives
The Coalition also calls on all representatives of States Parties to the Rome Statute to avoid contact with ICC suspects, as urged by the Assembly of States Parties in December 2024. Non-essential contact with individuals subject to outstanding ICC warrants contravenes the spirit and purpose of the Rome Statute to end impunity for grave crimes and bring justice to victims. Engaging with suspects risks lending credibility to those who should instead be in ICC custody, which sends a message of indifference and disregard for victims of alleged crimes and their families.
Avoiding such contact is essential to long-term arrest strategies and signals that there should be no ‘business as usual’ with those seeking to evade justice and affirms the integrity of the ICC’s arrest warrants and the importance of cooperation with the Court. Over time, this helps maintain the validity of the arrest warrants and may contribute to the marginalization of individuals that is, at times, a prerequisite to eventual arrest.
A test of commitment to international justice
The ICC relies on the cooperation and principled support of its States Parties to deliver justice for the gravest crimes known to humanity. Tajikistan, as a State Party since 30 November 1998, has now a historic opportunity to demonstrate leadership and solidarity with victims by upholding its obligations and supporting the work of the Court.
The Coalition for the ICC stands ready to continue working with the Government of Tajikistan, the ICC, and all States Parties to ensure accountability for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, wherever and by whomever they are committed.
Picture: © ICC-CPI. On 17 March 2023, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation, in the context of the situation in Ukraine, for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Original statement: https://coalitionfortheicc.org/news/civil-society-urges-tajikistan-cancel-putin-visit
