Arrest warrant for Myanmar Commander-in-Chief for crimes against Rohingya people

The move, announced on Wednesday, following a comprehensive investigation by the ICC into the 2016 and 2017 wave of violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine province targeting the Rohingya Muslim minority.

“My office has concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Senior General and Acting President Min Aung Hlaing is criminally responsible for crimes against humanity such as the deportation and persecution of the Rohingya peoplecommitted in Myanmar and partly in Bangladesh,” ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said in a statement. declare.

The charges stem from alleged crimes committed between August 25 and December 31, 2017 by Myanmar’s armed forces, known as the Tatmadaw, in coordination with the police, border guards and some civilians were not Rohingya.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has been in power since February 2021, when the junta The military overthrew the elected government in Myanmar arrested hundreds of officials, political leaders and activists.

Countless accounts of brutal crimes

In addition to causing more than a million Rohingya to flee their homes and seek refuge in Bangladesh, there are countless accounts of atrocitiesincluding the systematic killing of approximately 10,000 Rohingya men, women, children and infants.

Also yes Horrifying reports of gender-based violence against women and girls, including rape and sexual violence, and more than 300 villages were burned down.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights at the time, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, called the brutal campaign “For example, textbooks on ethnic cleansing.”

First application, more to follow

“This is an application for an arrest warrant for a high-ranking Myanmar government official that my Office is filing. There will be more,” Mr. Khan said.

The Prosecutor’s case is built on extensive evidence, including testimony from internal witnesses, documentary evidence and scientific material and photographs, collected with assistance from foreign countries. governments, civil society and international organizations.

Mr. Khan expressed appreciation for the “steadfast trust and commitment” of the Rohingya community for their cooperation. He also noted the support of the Government of Bangladesh and the cooperation of the United Nations Independent investigation mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) is essential to advance the investigation.

The voice of the Rohingya people is at the center

He also highlighted his visit to refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, southern Bangladesh, where he interacted with survivors, youth activists and elders, who shared their stories and demand justice.

“Our work, our work International Criminal Courtseek to vindicate their resilience and their hope in the power of the lawhe said.

During his first visit to Cox’s Bazar in February 2022, Mr. Khan announced plans to speed up investigations and provide more resources. He emphasized that today’s developments reflect that renewed focus.

Next steps

The decision to issue an arrest warrant now rests with the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I judges, who will determine whether the evidence meets the threshold for action. If approved, the Prosecutor will work with the ICC Registrar to coordinate efforts to arrest Min Aung Hlaing.

Mr. Khan reiterated his commitment to justice for the Rohingya people, and pledged to submit more applications in the coming months.

“We will demonstrate, together with all our partners, that Rohingya are not forgotten. That they, like everyone in the world, are entitled to the protection of the law.”

Rohingya refugees set up temporary shelters amid rice fields in southern Bangladesh, after fleeing brutal violence in Myanmar. (September 2017)

Introducing ICC

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is not affiliated with the United Nations but has a cooperative and complementary relationship.

The ICC is an independent judicial body established by Rome Statutepassed in 1998 and effective in 2002.

The Court was established to address serious international crimes and ensure accountability when national justice systems are unable or unwilling to act.