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 the situation in Myanmar impact the ICC’s ability to collect evidence and build a strong case?
## Interview: Justice for the Rohingya?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into the Rohingya crisis. Joining us is Dr. Emily Parker, a specialist in international law and human rights. Dr. Parker, the ICC has authorized an investigation into alleged crimes against the Rohingya people. Can you tell us more about what prompted this decision?
**Dr. Parker:** Absolutely. In 2019, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan requested the court open an investigation into alleged crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction committed against the Rohingya people from Myanmar. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber III, composed of Judges Olga Herrera Carbuccia, Robert Fremr, and Geoffrey Henderson, authorized this investigation. [[1](https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/icc-judges-authorise-opening-investigation-situation-bangladesh/myanmar)]This decision was a crucial step towards holding those responsible for the atrocities against the Rohingya accountable.
**Host:** We’ve seen reports that ICC Prosecutor Khan is now seeking an arrest warrant for the head of Myanmar’s junta. Could you explain the significance of this development?
**Dr. Parker:** Absolutely. This is a major escalation in the ICC’s pursuit of justice for the Rohingya. While the formal request for the arrest warrant hasn’t been publicly released, such a move would send a strong signal that the international community is serious about holding those responsible for the genocide and crimes against humanity accountable, regardless of their position.
**Host:** What challenges might the ICC face in pursuing this case?
**Dr. Parker:** The ICC faces considerable challenges. Myanmar is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court, and has largely ignored the ICC’s authority. Gaining custody of the individuals responsible will certainly be a hurdle, and international cooperation will be crucial for any successful prosecution.
**Host:** Despite the challenges, do you believe this is a promising step towards justice for the Rohingya people?
**Dr. Parker:** I do. The ICC’s action sends a powerful message that those who commit atrocities, even those in positions of power, will eventually be held accountable. While the road to justice is long and complex, this investigation and potential arrest warrant represent a significant step forward in the fight for justice for the Rohingya people.
**Host:** Thank you so much, Dr. Parker, for your insights. We’ll continue to follow this developing story closely.
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