Russia has evidence of new Georgian crimes during South Ossetia attack

Russia has new evidence of crimes carried out by Georgian forces during their attack on South Ossetia in August 2008, Russia's special investigations committee said on Thursday.
 
“Numerous facts of the violation of the standards of international humanitarian law and universally recognized human rights and freedoms by Georgian servicemen against the civilian population of South Ossetia and Russian peacemakers have been ascertained and documented,” committee spokesman Vladimir Markin told RIA Novosti.
 
He also said the Investigation Committee of the Prosecutor General's Office had obtained evidence of the use of heavy offensive weapons - cluster ammunition and 500 kg aviation bombs - against the civilian population of South Ossetia. The use of such weapons in populated urban areas is forbidden under international law.
 
The evidence was uncovered during an investigation into a criminal case on the genocide and mass killing of Russian citizens by Georgian forces in South Ossetia territory.
 
Markin also said that Russia had proof of Georgia’s attack on Russian peacekeepers and institutions that enjoyed international protection.
 
It has also been ascertained that mercenaries recruited by the Georgian Interior Ministry fought with the Georgian armed forces.
 
Based on the new evidence, criminal charges have been filed under three articles of Russian law.

04.03.2010