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 implications of the ICC’s pursuit of an arrest warrant for General Min Aung Hlaing, considering Myanmar is not a signatory to the Rome Statute?
## ICC Seeks Arrest Warrant for Myanmar Junta Leader
**Host**: Joining us today is [Guest name and credentials], to discuss the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) pursuit of a momentous case against Myanmar’s military leadership. Karim Khan, the ICC prosecutor, has publicly stated his intention to seek an arrest warrant for General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s junta, for crimes against the Rohingya people.
[Guest name], can you shed some light on the significance of this action, especially considering Myanmar isn’t a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC?
**Guest**: This is indeed a significant development. While Myanmar is not a party to the Rome Statute, the ICC has asserted jurisdiction based on the principle of complementarity. The court’s argument is that serious crimes committed on Myanmar’s soil, including those against the Rohingya population, warrant their intervention, especially when the Myanmar government itself isn’t pursuing justice [[1](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/rohingya-exodus-icc-prosecutors-pursuit-myanmars-top-general-2024-11-27/)].
**Host**: How does this unprecedented move impact the situation in Myanmar, and what are the potential ramifications for General Hlaing and the junta?
**Guest**: This sends a powerful message that the international community won’t tolerate impunity for atrocities, even against a non- signatory state. The potential ramifications for General Hlaing are considerable, potentially leading to travel restrictions, asset freezes, and international pressure for his accountability. This could also embolden the Rohingya people and their supporters in their pursuit of justice [[1](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/rohingya-exodus-icc-prosecutors-pursuit-myanmars-top-general-2024-11-27/)].
**Host**: It’s a complex situation, and the pursuit of justice will undoubtedly face challenges. What can we expect in the coming months?
**Guest**: The ICC’s move is just the beginning of a long process. We can expect legal challenges from Myanmar, diplomatic maneuvers, and possibly even resistance from the junta. It remains to be seen if the warrant will be issued and, if so, how effectively it can be enforced.
**Host**: Thank you, [Guest name], for providing your insights on this critical issue. This is a story we will continue to follow closely as it unfolds.
