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 some potential arguments for and against the ICC pursuing this arrest warrant?
## ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrant for Myanmar Junta Leader: A Step Towards Justice?
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Dr. Anya Sharma, a human rights lawyer and expert on Southeast Asian politics. Dr. Sharma, the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor is seeking an arrest warrant for the head of Myanmar’s junta over the persecution of the Rohingya Muslim population. Can you tell us more about this development?
**Dr. Sharma:** Certainly. This is a significant step towards holding those responsible for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya accountable. The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, is seeking the arrest warrant based on alleged crimes against humanity, including deportation and persecution. These crimes allegedly occurred at least partially within Bangladesh, which is a State Party to the Rome Statute that established the ICC [[1](https://www.icc-cpi.int/bangladesh-myanmar)].
**Interviewer:** How could this impact the Rohingya people who have been seeking justice for years?
**Dr. Sharma:** This move sends a powerful message to the Myanmar junta that their actions will not go unpunished. It also offers a glimmer of hope to the Rohingya people who have suffered immensely. While an arrest warrant is just the first step, it could pave the way for a trial and ultimately, some form of justice.
**Interviewer:** What are the biggest challenges to achieving justice in this case?
**Dr. Sharma:** There are several hurdles. Myanmar is not a State Party to the Rome Statute, meaning the ICC’s jurisdiction is limited. Cooperation from the Myanmar government is unlikely, making the arrest and extradition of the junta leader highly challenging. Additionally, ensuring a fair trial amidst ongoing conflict and political turmoil in Myanmar will be a significant undertaking [[1](https://www.icc-cpi.int/bangladesh-myanmar)].
**Interviewer:** Despite these challenges, what message does this warrant send to the international community?
**Dr. Sharma:** It sends a clear message that the international community is committed to upholding justice for the Rohingya people. It also highlights the importance of the ICC in holding perpetrators accountable for the most heinous crimes. While the path to justice may be long and arduous, this step is a crucial milestone in that journey.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Sharma. This is a developing story and we will continue to follow it closely.
