ICC urges India to arrest Sudan’s al-Bashir
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has urged India to arrest and hand over Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir, who is wanted on genocide charges and expected to participate in the ongoing Africa-India Summit. Bashir is accused of masterminding war crimes in his campaign to crush a revolt in Sudan’s western Darfur region, a move that led the ICC to issue warrants for his arrest in 2009 and 2010.
Along with at least 40 other African leaders, the 71-year-old president is expected to arrive in New Delhi on Wednesday to attend the Summit aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two regions. ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda told newsmen that even though India is not an ICC signatory, it should act as a UN Security Council resolution had lifted Bashir’s immunity under international law and urged all states to fully cooperate with the ICC.
“As states ponder over such matters, it is fundamentally important not to forget the victims who deserve justice for the unimaginable atrocities they have suffered,” Bensouda’s said late Monday. “By arresting and surrendering ICC suspects, India can contribute to the important goal of ending impunity for the world’s worst crimes.” She added. Indian officials were not immediately available for comment, but Foreign Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup, when asked the country’s position, told newsmen that “India is fully compliant with its international legal obligations.”
Along with at least 40 other African leaders, the 71-year-old president is expected to arrive in New Delhi on Wednesday to attend the Summit aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two regions. ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda told newsmen that even though India is not an ICC signatory, it should act as a UN Security Council resolution had lifted Bashir’s immunity under international law and urged all states to fully cooperate with the ICC.
“As states ponder over such matters, it is fundamentally important not to forget the victims who deserve justice for the unimaginable atrocities they have suffered,” Bensouda’s said late Monday. “By arresting and surrendering ICC suspects, India can contribute to the important goal of ending impunity for the world’s worst crimes.” She added. Indian officials were not immediately available for comment, but Foreign Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup, when asked the country’s position, told newsmen that “India is fully compliant with its international legal obligations.”
Comments