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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How might international pressure be used to enforce the ICC arrest warrant against Myanmar’s junta leader?
## ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrant for Myanmar Junta Leader
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Anya Singh, human rights expert and professor at the University of London. Dr. Singh, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan recently visited Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh and announced he is seeking an arrest warrant for the head of Myanmar’s military junta. Can you shed some light on the significance of this move?
**Dr. Singh:** Absolutely. This announcement is hugely significant for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it sends a strong message that the international community is not going to turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed against the Rohingya people.
The ICC prosecutor’s visit to the Kutupalong camp, where nearly a million Rohingya refugees reside, demonstrates the court’s unwavering commitment to justice. His direct engagement with the Rohingya community reinforces their voices, acknowledging their pain and suffering.
As for the arrest warrant itself, if granted, it would be a monumental step towards holding the head of the junta accountable for the crimes against humanity committed against the Rohingya. It would set a strong precedent that even those in positions of power cannot escape justice for their actions.
**Host:** However, Myanmar is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. How will an arrest warrant be enforced?
**Dr. Singh:** You are correct, Myanmar’s non-participation in the Rome Statute makes the enforcement of any warrant challenging. However, the ICC can still exercise jurisdiction over those accused of crimes against humanity, regardless of their nationality or the location of the crimes, if they are nationals of a state party to the Statute.
Enforcement ultimately depends on the cooperation of other countries. International pressure could be applied on Myanmar’s allies and trading partners, urging them to arrest and extradite the junta leader if he travels abroad.
**Host:** This is a complex situation with many legal and political complexities. Thank you, Dr. Singh, for providing your insights on this crucial development.
**Dr. Singh:** My pleasure. It’s vital that the Rohingya people’s plight remains in the spotlight, and actions like this by the ICC are crucial in the pursuit of justice.
