Since assuming the role of Ukraine’s Prosecutor General in July 2022, Andriy Kostin has faced the daunting task of addressing an unprecedented influx of evidence documenting alleged war crimes and human rights violations committed by Russian troops. In an interview with TIME, Kostin sheds light on the innovative approach his office is adopting to analyze and prosecute these cases using technology companies and international partnerships.
Ensuring Comprehensive Accountability:
Amid the deluge of real-time videos, images, and digital data flooding Ukrainian government and law enforcement officials, Kostin emphasizes the importance of comprehensive accountability. While previous conflicts primarily focused on physical crimes against individuals, this conflict necessitates a wider scope of investigation. Kostin’s office is looking into previously unprosecuted crimes against the environment and cyber attacks, determined to set global standards for their investigation and prosecution.
Harnessing Technology for Evidence Analysis:
To bolster the strength of their cases, Ukrainian prosecutors rely on cutting-edge technology and digital tools. Leveraging elements of new technologies, open-source intelligence, and NGO support, they piece together intricate evidence puzzles. By using instruments such as Palantir for data analysis and Microsoft’s voice recognition technology, Ukraine’s prosecution team can identify perpetrators, analyze voices and faces, and delve into massive amounts of multimedia evidence. Artificial intelligence is also being explored to manage and process the extensive terabytes of data available.
Collecting Evidence from Displaced Ukrainians and International Cooperation:
The task of collecting evidence from over six million Ukrainian refugees and millions more displaced civilians within the country poses a significant challenge. Collaborative efforts with international partners, including the creation of the Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED), aid in linking evidence from multiple jurisdictions. The CICED and other technological tools enable joint investigations and ensure that no valuable evidence is lost.
The Need for Expediency in Justice:
Recognizing the urgency of providing justice to the victims and survivors, Kostin acknowledges the importance of expediting the judicial process. Dialogue with Ukrainian courts ensures the prioritization of war-crime cases, and in some instances, prosecution in absentia is considered to restore the dignity of the victims. Kostin’s commitment to exhaust every legal avenue and leverage technology underscores his determination to bring perpetrators to justice.
Andriy Kostin, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General, leads a groundbreaking effort to utilize technology and international collaborations in the prosecution of war crimes committed in Ukraine. By expanding the scope of investigations, harnessing advanced digital tools, and implementing effective systems for evidence collection and analysis, Kostin and his team pave the way for comprehensive accountability. Through their commitment to meticulous investigations and expedient justice, they set a global example for addressing war crimes in an era heavily influenced by technology.
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