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 legal challenges in bringing Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to justice before the ICC?
## Interview: ICC Seeks Arrest Warrant for Myanmar Junta Leader
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Aung, a human rights expert focusing on the Rohingya crisis. Dr. Aung, the International Criminal Court has requested an arrest warrant for the head of Myanmar’s junta. Can you tell us more about this development?
**Dr. Aung:** This is a significant step in holding perpetrators accountable for the horrific crimes committed against the Rohingya people. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan seeks the arrest warrant [1](https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2024-11-27/myanmar-junta-general-icc-warrant-rohingya-genocide-15984999.html) specifically for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the junta, for his role in orchestrating the persecution and violence against the Rohingya, which began in earnest seven years ago.
**Host:** What specific atrocities is the ICC focusing on?
**Dr. Aung:** While the details of the warrant request are not yet publicly available, the ICC has been investigating allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed against the Rohingya. This includes mass killings, widespread rape and sexual violence, the burning of villages, and the systematic displacement of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya from their homes.
**Host:** How likely is it that this warrant will be successful in bringing Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to justice?
**Dr. Aung:** This is a complex question. Myanmar is not a member of the ICC, and the junta is unlikely to cooperate with the court. However, the warrant serves as a powerful symbol of international condemnation and could pave the way for future prosecutions.
**Host:** What impact do you think this action will have on the current situation in Myanmar?
**Dr. Aung:** The warrant can send a strong message to the Burmese military that their actions are not without consequence. It can also provide hope and a sense of justice for the Rohingya people, who have suffered immensely.
**Host:** Dr. Aung, thank you for sharing your insights on this important development.