The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor has requested an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, for his role in crimes committed against the Rohingya Muslim minority. The allegations stem from a 2017 counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in nearly a million Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh to escape atrocities such as mass rapes, killings, and the burning of homes. The prosecutor, Karim Khan, plans to request more warrants for other Myanmar leaders soon to demonstrate that the Rohingya are entitled to the protection of the law.
Myanmar is not a member of the International Criminal Court, but Bangladesh is, allowing the court’s prosecutor to investigate crimes that occurred within its territory, such as forcible deportation. Previously, the court authorized an investigation into any crimes linked to the Rohingya in Bangladesh or other member states, paving the way for the current investigation.
This request for an arrest warrant comes at a time when a powerful rebel group in Myanmar has seized a key trading town, further challenging the military-led government. In addition, the International Court of Justice is advancing a separate case against Myanmar for genocide against the Rohingya, with several countries supporting Gambia, the nation that brought the case forward. The court’s actions are part of global efforts to hold Myanmar accountable for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya minority.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com