Berlin (dpa) – Germany has made improvements to the legal prosecution of war crimes committed abroad. Changes have been made to the legislation that give more power to victims and make it easier to prosecute offenders. Victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity can now actively participate in the trial before a German court as joint plaintiffs. They are also entitled to a lawyer and psychosocial counselling. In addition to other regulations, the offence of “sexual slavery” has also been included in the German International Criminal Code. In future, interpreters will translate the proceedings for foreign media representatives.
Germany is a pioneering force in international criminal law. The creation of the International Criminal Code over 20 years ago ensured that the German judiciary is able to prosecute atrocities committed during war, regardless of where the offence was committed or the nationality of the perpetrator.
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