Argentina Issues Arrest Warrants for Myanmar Military Officials…

Argentina has issued international arrest warrants for 22 Burmese military officials and three civilians for their alleged roles in the genocide against the Rohingya community. This decision is rooted in Argentina’s application of universal jurisdiction for prosecuting severe international crimes. The case, prompted by testimonies from Rohingya survivors, continues amid ongoing violence in Myanmar and aligns with broader international legal actions against the military regime.

An Argentine court has issued international arrest warrants for 22 Myanmar military officials and three civilians, accusing them of involvement in the genocide against the Rohingya community. Prominent figures among the accused include Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Soe Win, and former Western Command head Maung Maung Soe. These officials face severe allegations under Argentine law, such as genocide, aggravated murder, sexual abuse, and torture.

This significant ruling stems from Argentina’s application of the principle of universal jurisdiction, allowing the nation to prosecute heinous international crimes regardless of where they occurred. The case originated in 2019 through the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK), led by its president, Tun Khin, and received legal support from former UN Special Rapporteur Tomás Ojea Quintana. Six Rohingya survivors contributed testimonies detailing the atrocities experienced during the military’s operations in Rakhine State in 2017.

This development follows the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan’s request for an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing. The Argentine court’s ruling triggers an automatic request to INTERPOL for red notices across its 196 member states, enhancing prospects for detaining and extraditing the accused. However, Myanmar’s current political atmosphere makes compliance with such orders inherently difficult due to the ruling junta’s oppressive measures since the military coup in February 2021.

Further complicating matters, the junta’s violent repression has resulted in the deaths of thousands and the imprisonment of numerous political dissidents, while armed conflict in Rakhine State has intensified, exacerbating the Rohingya’s plight. The arrest warrants complement existing legal actions, including proceedings at both the ICC and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where Gambia’s case against Myanmar regarding genocide allegations is ongoing.

BROUK has lauded the Argentine court’s decision as a pivotal moment for justice for the Rohingya and others suffering under the military regime. President Tun Khin remarked, “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 international arrest warrants by Argentina for Myanmar military officials represents a crucial step towards accountability for the genocide against the Rohingya people. Despite potential challenges in enforcement due to Myanmar’s political situation, the ruling illustrates a commitment to justice under universal jurisdiction. Furthermore, it aligns with ongoing international legal efforts aimed at addressing grave human rights violations perpetrated by the military regime in Myanmar.

Original Source: www.jurist.org