Law change for new court

Jim Wallace: "Human rights universal"

New legislation will be introduced in Scotland to allow law enforcement agencies to co-operate with the proposed International Criminal Court.

Scotland's Justice Minister Jim Wallace confirmed the move after Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook's announcement that the UK Government would sign up to the international court as soon as possible.

Separate legislation is needed in Scotland because responsibility for the criminal justice system is devolved to Edinburgh.

Mr Wallace said: "War criminals do not respect borders. There is, therefore, an increasing recognition that basic human rights are universal and need international protection.

"The International Criminal Court gives us a unique opportunity to do this".

New offences

The court was proposed two years ago at a UN conference to handle war crimes and genocide.

Draft legislation for such a court has been drawn up by the Foreign Office. It would allow Britain to ratify the 1998 international treaty to establish a permanent institution.

The court is aimed at preventing criminals from escaping justice outside their native country.

It would create new criminal offences and ensure UK courts had jurisdiction over British citizens committing them anywhere in the world.

Separate Scottish legislation is needed so that Scottish courts could hear cases of international war crimes involving people living here.

Scots could also be compelled to give evidence in war crimes trials abroad.