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Identifying suspects in Darfur case is a step on the way |
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The Arab coalition praises the important step undertaken by Mr. Luis Moreno Ocampo, Prosecutor of the ICC, as he submitted evidences on the involvement of some persons in the crimes committed in Darfur – Sudan. Those persons are: Ahmed Mohamed Haroun, a former minister of the Sudanese Ministry on Interior, and Ali Kushayb, also known as Ali Mohamed Abd-al-Rahman, leader of “Gangaweed” militia. These evidences proved that these two men committed crimes against civilians residing in Darfur, and they bear the criminal responsibility of 51 crimes relating to crimes against humanity and war crimes. According to submitted evidences, these persons joined others in crimes committed against civilians in villages like : “Kadoum”, ‘Bendisy”, “ Mokgger” and “Aroula”, during the period between August 2003 and March 2004. These attacks launched by both rebellious forces and government forces didn’t targeted rebellious as they alleged. Worth mentioning that Ahmed Mohamed Haroun assumed the responsibility of what so called Darfur security office, in the beginning of 2003. And as he was the officer of mentioned office, he participate in personal in recruiting, financing and arming thousands of “Gangaweed” militia members. Furthermore, these evidences, against Ahmed Mohamed Haroun, proved that he motivated his men to undertake attacks against civilians. For example, in the beginning of August 2003 before the attack against “Mokgger”, he said in his speech :” as the peoples of “Elfour” tribe has become rebellious, so this tribe and what they own became war booty for the “Gangaweed” militia”. In addition, evidences against Kushayb proved his involvement in so many crimes against civilians, by giving his orders to men who committed those crimes. These crimes included mass rape and other sexual crimes, killing, torture, plundering, and other criminal crimes. Worth mentioning that according to the procedures followed by the ICC , the preparatory division will examine the evidences submitted by the ICC Prosecutor, and if it found that these evidences are enough, then the Court will use the best means to ensure that those accused will stand trail before the court. Therefore, the Arab Coalition call upon the ICC Prosecutor to continue investigations on those crimes that are still exist in Darfur, which include mass killings, raping and torture. And it call upon the Sudanese government to cooperate with the International Criminal Court, either in respect of executing the summonses for those accused persons, or providing the needed protection for witnesses and victims. The Arab Coalition for the International Criminal Court ACICC The Arab Coalition for the International Criminal Court (ACICC) was established to promote the establishment and the work of the International Criminal Court. It comprises 86 NOGs on the Arab region level. |