The International Criminal Court is launching a formal investigation into allegations of torture and extrajudicial killings committed by Venezuelan security forces under President Nicolas Maduro's rule, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan announced Wednesday following a three-day trip to Venezuelan capital Caracas.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Standing alongside Maduro, Khan said he was aware of the political "fault lines" and "geopolitical divisions" in Venezuela. But he said his job was to uphold the principles of legality and the rule of law, not settle scores.
"I ask everybody now, as we move forward to this new stage, to give my office the space to do its work," he said. "I will take a dim view of any efforts to politicize the independent work of my office."
This is the first time a Latin American country faces scrutiny for possible crimes against humanity from the court. Nevertheless, it could be years before any criminal charges are presented as part of the ICC investigation.
