An Argentinian court has issued international arrest warrants for 22 Myanmar military officials regarding their involvement in the Rohingya genocide. This decision invokes universal jurisdiction to address crimes against humanity and complements ongoing legal efforts against Myanmar’s military at international courts. Human rights advocates view this development as a crucial step toward justice for the Rohingya community.
An Argentinian court has issued international arrest warrants for 22 Burmese military officials and three civilians implicated in the genocide against the Rohingya people. Among those named are Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Soe Win, and former Western Command head Maung Maung Soe, all facing charges of genocide and severe crimes under Argentina’s penal code, including aggravated murder and torture.
This landmark ruling aligns with Argentina’s investigation into crimes against humanity in Myanmar, invoking the principle of universal jurisdiction, allowing national courts to address grave international offenses regardless of their location. The case was initiated by the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) and its president, Tun Khin, with support from former UN Special Rapporteur Tomás Ojea Quintana, and included testimonies from six Rohingya survivors.
The recent decision coincides with International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan’s request for an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing. Argentina’s issuance of these warrants necessitates an automatic request to INTERPOL for red notices across its 196 member states, potentially setting the stage for the arrest and extradition of the named individuals. However, due to Myanmar’s current political climate, compliance with this order is highly improbable.
The military regime in Myanmar has intensified violent repression since the February 2021 coup, resulting in the deaths of thousands and the detention of many political opponents. With renewed conflict in Rakhine State, the Rohingya people continue to face severe persecution, as international organizations express concern over degrading conditions.
The arrest warrants released in Argentina complement other legal actions against Myanmar’s military, including proceedings at the ICC and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ongoing case brought by The Gambia at the ICJ has recently seen additional filings reinforcing allegations of genocide.
BROUK has welcomed the Argentinian court’s decision as a significant milestone for the Rohingya and others suffering under the military junta in Myanmar. Tun Khin noted, “This is a historic step towards justice for Rohingya and everyone in Burma suffering under the Burmese military … This courageous decision sends a clear signal that no one is above the law. These perpetrators will eventually have to stand trial for the unspeakable suffering they have inflicted.”
The issuance of arrest warrants by an Argentinian court marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for the Rohingya community and a broader challenge to the impunity of military officials in Myanmar. The international legal actions reflect growing recognition of the atrocities committed against the Rohingya and highlight the necessity for accountability, despite the daunting political landscape in Myanmar preventing immediate compliance.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
