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 challenges does the ICC face in enforcing an arrest warrant against Min Aung Hlaing?
## Interview: ICC Seeks Arrest Warrant for Myanmar Junta Leader
**Host:** Joining us today to discuss a significant development regarding the Rohingya crisis is [Guest Name], an expert in international law and human rights. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally requested an arrest warrant for the head of Myanmar’s junta, Min Aung Hlaing, due to alleged crimes against humanity committed against the Rohingya people. Could you elaborate on this case?
**Guest:** Absolutely. This is a momentous step towards holding those responsible for the unspeakable suffering of the Rohingya accountable. The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, has presented compelling evidence of systematic persecution inflicted upon the Rohingya minority in Myanmar, including mass killings, sexual violence, and the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. [[1](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2nqg05pz9o)]
**Host:** What specific actions led to this warrant request?
**Guest:**
The evidence suggests a calculated campaign of violence and oppression targeting the Rohingya population. The junta, led by Min Aung Hlaing, is accused of orchestrating military operations that resulted in widespread atrocities. These include the burning of Rohingya villages, the indiscriminate killing of civilians, and the denial of basic necessities like food and medical care.
**Host:**
How significant is this move by the ICC?
**Guest:** It sends a clear message that those who commit such heinous crimes, regardless of their position or power, will ultimately face justice.
This warrant request underscores the international community’s commitment to ending impunity for crimes against humanity.
**Host:** What are the next steps in this process?
**Guest:**
The ICC will now need to formally issue the arrest warrant. This will trigger international pressure on Myanmar to surrender Min Aung Hlaing for trial. However, given the junta’s defiance of international law, enforcing this warrant will be a considerable challenge.
**Host:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue. We’ll continue to follow developments closely.