An Argentinian court issued international arrest warrants for 22 Myanmar military officials over their role in the Rohingya genocide. The warrants cover charges such as genocide and torture. This decision is part of Argentina’s commitment to universal jurisdiction in prosecuting grave international crimes, despite the political situation in Myanmar complicating potential enforcement.
An Argentinian court has issued international arrest warrants for 22 military officials and three civilians from Myanmar, accusing them of involvement in the genocide against the Rohingya community. Key figures named include Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Soe Win. The charges encompass genocide, aggravated murder, torture, and sexual abuse under Argentine law, illustrating Argentina’s commitment to prosecuting international crimes through universal jurisdiction.
The legal proceedings stem from an investigation initiated in 2019 by the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK), led by President Tun Khin and supported by former UN Special Rapporteur Tomás Ojea Quintana. Six female Rohingya survivors have contributed critical testimonies recounting the horrors they faced during the military’s operations in Rakhine State in 2017.
This recent ruling coincides with the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan’s request for an arrest warrant specifically targeting Min Aung Hlaing. The Argentine decision mandates an automatic request to INTERPOL for red notices across its 196 member states, possibly facilitating the detention and extradition of the accused.
However, the political climate in Myanmar, marked by a military coup in February 2021, suggests that compliance with the arrest order is unlikely. The ruling junta has escalated violent repression, significantly impacting the Rohingya and aggravating the situation in Rakhine State, where they continue to suffer renewed persecution amid worsening conditions.
The arrest warrants align with other legal actions against Myanmar’s military, including proceedings at the ICC and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The case brought by Gambia at the ICJ is ongoing, with new filings reinforcing serious allegations of genocide and contributing to the broader narrative of accountability.
BROUK has expressed satisfaction with the Argentine court’s resolution, heralding it as a pivotal advancement for the Rohingya and other groups oppressed under military rule. Tun Khin remarked on the significance of this historic decision, affirming that it signals the principle that no individual is immune from prosecution for their crimes.
The issuance of arrest warrants by an Argentinian court for Myanmar military officials marks a significant stride in seeking accountability for the genocide against the Rohingya. This action represents an alignment with international legal principles, despite challenges posed by Myanmar’s political landscape. The support from survivors and advocacy organizations underscores the ongoing demand for justice in the face of systemic violence.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
