RAccording to a study by Amnesty International, Russia’s deadly air bombing at a theater used as a refuge for civilians in the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol was an “apparent war crime.”
According to human rights groups, there was no evidence that the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater (up to 1,300 civilians were hiding in the basement) was the operational base for Ukrainian soldiers.
The report found that there were all signs that the theater was functioning as a safe haven for civilians seeking protection from weeks of relentless Russian bombardment and airstrikes.
It is believed that as many as 600 people were killed in the March 16 attack.
Amnesty International’s crisis response team interviewed several survivors, gathered evidence, and concluded that the airstrikes were most likely carried out by Russian fighters.
Agnès Callamar, Secretary-General of Amnesty International, said:
“Many people were injured and killed in this relentless attack. Their deaths are likely caused by Russian troops who deliberately targeted Ukrainian citizens.
“The International Criminal Court, and anyone else in charge of the crimes committed during this dispute, must investigate this attack as a war crime.”
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