Red Cross: Gamers safe from war crimes prosecution

[December 09, 2011]  GENEVA (AP) -- Gamers worried their actions on the virtual battlefield could land them at the Hague war crimes tribunal can relax.

The International Committee of the Red Cross says media reports that it is investigating whether the Geneva Conventions apply to video games are false.

The Swiss-based humanitarian group assured gamers Thursday that "serious violations of the laws of war can only be committed in real-life situations."

The ICRC says it is nevertheless interested in working with video game makers to promote a better understanding of international humanitarian law because some companies also develop war simulations for armed forces.

The group also trains armies in how to abide by the rules of war that forbid targeting civilians, medics and captured combatants.

[Associated Press]

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