By Trend News Line 2024-07-01 14:15:36.
**Request for Investigation into Crimes of Sexual Violence and Murder in Ukraine**
The Center for the Enforcement of Human Rights International (CEHRI) and the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) have taken a significant step in seeking justice for victims of sexual violence and murder in Ukraine. Today, these organizations filed a case with the Austrian federal prosecutor, urging an investigation into crimes committed by Russian forces during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
**Courageous Victims Seek Justice**
Anya Neistat, Legal Director of The Docket, praised the courage of two Ukrainian women, known as “Olena” and “Olha,” who have come forward to seek justice. These women were brutally raped by Russian soldiers who occupied their village in the Kyiv area. The perpetrators, accompanied by their commander, took Olena and Olha from their homes at night, leading to a series of horrific events.
**Terrifying Ordeal**
As the soldiers entered Olena’s home, she expressed fear for her life. The commander callously reassured her, stating that “the boys just want to have some fun.” Subsequently, the soldiers proceeded to Olha’s residence. When her husband attempted to protect her, he was tragically shot dead on the spot. The women endured repeated acts of sexual violence before managing to escape and return to their homes. Following the liberation of the village by Ukrainian forces, one of the women remained in the village, while the other sought refuge in Austria.
**Widespread Human Rights Violations**
The crimes committed against these women are part of a larger pattern of human rights violations against civilians in territories occupied by Russian forces. The UN and other organizations have extensively documented these atrocities. The case filed by CEHRI and CFJ targets not only the direct perpetrators but also seven mid- and high-level commanders identified as suspects by CFJ’s Docket initiative.
**Groundbreaking Legal Action**
CEHRI’s detailed legal analysis has established Austria’s jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute these crimes as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The principle of universal jurisdiction allows states to address the most serious international crimes, irrespective of where they occurred. In this groundbreaking case, CEHRI and CFJ are calling on Austrian authorities to open a criminal investigation and issue arrest warrants for the suspects.
**Seeking Justice**
Tatiana Urdaneta, CEHRI’s founding member, expressed gratitude for representing the Ukrainian survivors and urged prompt action by prosecutors. The evidence presented against the perpetrators is compelling, and the organizations are hopeful that the Austrian authorities will act swiftly to advance the case.
**About The Docket and CEHRI**
The Docket, an initiative of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, focuses on triggering prosecutions for war crimes and mass atrocities. It supports survivors in their pursuit of justice, gathering evidence and representing them in court. CEHRI, on the other hand, is dedicated to strategic litigation on human rights issues, providing legal and psychosocial support to victims of violations.
**Conclusion**
The case filed by CEHRI and CFJ marks a crucial step towards holding accountable those responsible for heinous crimes in Ukraine. Through their relentless pursuit of justice, these organizations are advocating for the rights of survivors and standing against impunity. As the legal proceedings unfold, the hope for justice for the victims of sexual violence and murder remains steadfast..
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