#LaRepubblica: "Italy Refuses to Execute ICC Arrest Warrant for Putin"

The arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 2023 for the Russian president is invalid in Italy, Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica reported.

According to sources, Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordion has not yet forwarded the decision of the ICC judges to the Rome Prosecutor General so that the latter can send it to the Court of Appeal for enforcement. Therefore, the order will not enter into force on Italian territory.

The media recall that in January the Italian government made it clear to the Israeli side that heads of state, in accordance with the Vienna Convention, have immunity on Italian territory. This was written about in particular by the Times of Israel. In November 2024, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip and Hamas.

Corriere and Repubblica write that this position also applies to Putin. However, it is reported that the Russian president does not plan to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, which will take place on April 26. Russia will be represented by Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova, the Kremlin reported.