Therefore propaganda is an important element of wars. Generally, actual and alleged atrocities of war committed by the enemy are used as propaganda. Thus, the notion of “ atrocities” also comprises excesses of violence which are in conformity with the rules, but by virtue of their extent, brutality or frequency, are felt to be an infringement of rules.
Transgressing the limits of the military force is said to be “atrocious.” In contrast, “war crimes” mean a transgression of the rules of war in international law having been codified in the 19 th and 20 th centuries.
