Myanmar Junta for Persecution of Rohingya Muslims”/>International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan is seeking an arrest warrant for the head of Myanmar’s junta over the deportation and persecution of Rohingya Muslims.
According to prosecutor Karim, these crimes were committed from 25 August to 31 December 2017 by the Myanmar Armed Forces, and supported by the national police, border police and non-Rohingya civilians.
“After a thorough, independent and impartial investigation, my Office has concluded that there are sufficient grounds to believe that Senior General and Acting President Min Aung Hlaing, Supreme Commander of the Myanmar Defense Forces, bears criminal responsibility for crimes against humanity of deportation and the persecution of the Rohingya, carried out in Myanmar, and partly in Bangladesh,” said Karim Khan.
Khan emphasized that the application was submitted based on various evidence from a number of sources such as witness statements, documentary evidence, as well as legitimate scientific materials, photos and videos. He added this was the first application for an arrest warrant against a top Myanmar government official filed by the prosecutor’s office.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Rohingya. More than one million members of their community were forced to flee violence in Myanmar,” said Khan.
“We thank all parties who have provided testimony and support to my Office, those who have shared their stories, those who have provided us with information and materials,” he said. (Anadolu/Ant/P-3)
#ICC #Arrests #Myanmar #Junta #Persecution #Rohingya #Muslims
What are the potential consequences for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing if the ICC issues an arrest warrant?
## Towards Justice: An Interview on the ICC’s Move Against Myanmar’s Junta
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today to discuss the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) latest development regarding the Rohingya crisis is Professor Anya Sharma, an expert on international law and human rights. Professor Sharma, thank you for joining us.
**Professor Sharma:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** The ICC has just announced its intention to seek an arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s junta. Can you tell us more about this move and what it means?
**Professor Sharma:** This is a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the Rohingya people. The ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan, has stated there are “reasonable grounds to believe” that Min Aung Hlaing bears criminal responsibility for alleged crimes against humanity committed against the Rohingya minority. [[1](https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/11/icc-seeks-arrest-warrant-for-myanmar-military-chief-over-rohingya-crimes/)]This is a crucial step towards holding those responsible for the appalling atrocities against the Rohingya accountable.
**Host:** What kind of crimes are we talking about?
**Professor Sharma:** The charges likely stem from the brutal crackdown against the Rohingya in 2017, which saw widespread killings, rapes, and the burning of villages, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee to Bangladesh. These acts are considered crimes against humanity under international law.
**Host:** What are the chances of this arrest warrant actually being issued and enforced?
**Professor Sharma:** That’s a complex question. Myanmar is not a member of the ICC, and the junta is unlikely to cooperate. However, the ICC can still issue the warrant, and it could put pressure on other countries to arrest Min Aung Hlaing if he travels abroad. This sends a strong message that impunity for these atrocities will not be tolerated.
**Host:** This is certainly a major development in the ongoing struggle for justice for the Rohingya. Professor Sharma, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us.
**Professor Sharma:** It was my pleasure.
