Arresting Putin would be declaring war against Russia, Ramaphosa tells court
President responds to the DA, who aims to force the government to detain the leader should he arrive for the Brics summit
18 July 2023 - 19:07
UPDATED 19 July 2023 - 11:10
Arresting Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant hanging over his head, will be tantamount to a war declaration, which SA seeks to avoid, President Cyril Ramaphosa has told the North Gauteng High Court.
“Russia has made it clear that arresting its sitting president would be a declaration of war. It would be inconsistent with our constitution to risk engaging in war with Russia,” Ramaphosa said in court filings. ..
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