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 challenges the ICC might face in enforcing the arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing?
## ICC Seeks Arrest Warrant for Myanmar Junta Leader: Interview with Expert
**Anchor:** Joining us today is Dr. Anya Petrova, a Senior Fellow at the Institute for International Justice, to discuss the recent news from the International Criminal Court. Dr. Petrova, the ICC prosecutor is seeking an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s junta. Can you tell us more about this?
**Dr. Petrova:** This is a significant development in the ongoing pursuit of justice for the Rohingya people. Karim Khan, the ICC Prosecutor, has formally requested the court issue an arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on charges related to the persecution and alleged genocide of the Rohingya Muslim minority.
**Anchor:** What led to this decision?
**Dr. Petrova:** This move comes amid renewed concerns about escalating violence against Rohingya civilians. The situation echoes the horrific events of 2017 when a brutal military crackdown forced over 700,000 Rohingya to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh [[1](https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2024-11-27/myanmar-junta-general-icc-warrant-rohingya-genocide-15984999.html)]. The ICC has been investigating these crimes since 2018, and this latest request shows a clear intention to hold those responsible accountable.
**Anchor:** What are the implications of this arrest warrant?
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s important to understand that getting an arrest warrant issued is just the first step. Enforcing it will be a whole other challenge, given Myanmar’s military junta is not cooperating with the ICC. However, the warrant itself sends a powerful message. It signifies that the international community recognizes the gravity of the crimes committed against the Rohingya and won’t shy away from pursuing justice.
**Anchor:** Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for providing your insights into this complex and important issue.