'WE WILL NOT FORGET': Merrick Garland Announces War Crime Charges Against Russians Who Tortured U.S. National [Watch]

Attorney General Merrick Garland held a press conference on Wednesday to announce war crime charges against four Russian fighters who tortured a U.S. national in Ukraine.

“These charges against four Russia-affiliated military personnel, the Justice Department’s first criminal charges under the U.S. war crimes statute. They are also an important step toward accountability for the Russian regime’s illegal war in Ukraine. Our work is far from done,” Garland said.

“We will not forget the atrocities in Ukraine, and we will never stop working to bring those responsible to justice,” he continued. “Throughout our work. We will continue to put our trust in the rule of law. The rule of law is the best answer we have to crimes that cannot be truly answered. The rule of law is how we pursue true accountability for the individuals responsible for those crimes and how we deter future aggression. And the rule of law is how we pursue justice in a way that protects people and protects our shared humanity.”

Garland detailed the allegations in the indictment.

“The victim was living in Mylove, a small village in southern Ukraine and was not participating in the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” Garland said. “As such, the victim was what is known as a protected person under international law. After Russian forces invaded Mylove, the victim was abducted from his home by three of the defendants.”

Watch the clip below for Garland’s full comments:

In a historic move, AG Merrick Garland announces the Justice Department is filing war crimes charges against 4 Russian-affiliated soldiers accused of abducting and torturing an American in Ukraine.

This is the first time the DOJ has filed charges under U.S. war crimes statute. pic.twitter.com/BB8hGbi4iR

— The Recount (@therecount) December 6, 2023