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)
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What are the potential challenges in executing the arrest warrant, given Myanmar’s political situation and its relationship with the ICC?
## Interview Clip: ICC Seeks Arrest Warrant for Myanmar Junta Leader
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**HOST:** Welcome back to the program. We’re turning now to breaking news out of Myanmar, where the International Criminal Court is seeking an arrest warrant for the country’s military leader. Joining us to discuss this development is Dr. Anya Sharma, a human rights expert with a focus on Southeast Asia. Dr. Sharma, thank you for being with us.
**DR. SHARMA:** Thank you for having me.
**HOST:** So, tell us, what’s happening in Myanmar? The ICC Prosecutor is requesting an arrest warrant for the head of the ruling junta, but what are the specific charges?
**DR. SHARMA:** That’s right. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan has formally requested that a judge issue an arrest warrant for the leader of Myanmar’s junta, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. This request stems from allegations of widespread severe crimes committed against the Rohingya Muslim minority. The prosecutor cites evidence of crimes against humanity, including persecution, deportation, and other inhumane acts. [[1](https://www.fidh.org/en/region/asia/myanmar/myanmar-icc-prosecutor-requests-arrest-warrant-for-military-leader-in)]
**HOST:** This isn’t the first time the ICC has taken action related to the Rohingya crisis, is it?
**DR. SHARMA:** No, it’s not. The ICC has been investigating the situation in Myanmar since 2017, a year after a brutal military crackdown forced over 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. This arrest warrant request represents a significant escalation in the ICC’s efforts to hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable.
**HOST:** What are the chances of this warrant actually being executed, given Myanmar’s existing political situation?
**DR. SHARMA:** It’s a complex situation. Myanmar is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. This means they are not legally obligated to cooperate with the court. However, the ICC can still exert pressure through international cooperation and diplomatic channels. Whether or not the warrant will be executed remains to be seen.
**HOST:** This story is sure to continue developing. Dr. Sharma, thank you for providing your valuable insight.
**DR. SHARMA:** My pleasure.
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