ICC prosecutor seeks Afghanistan war crimes investigation

The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking a formal investigation into alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan.

In a statement, Fatou Bensouda said "there is a reasonable basis to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed".

"Following a meticulous preliminary examination of the situation, I have come to the conclusion that all legal criteria required to commence an investigation have been met", Bensouda said.

Bensouda said if the investigation was approved, it would also focus on "war crimes closely linked to the situation in Afghanistan allegedly committed since 1 July 2002" in other countries.

A spokesman for the group said: "Having documented egregious crimes in Afghanistan that have gone unpunished over many years, we hope this step will open a path to justice for countless victims there."

UCJ, UNILORIN.