ICC judges return from recess as world awaits decision on Bashir warrant
January 4, 2009 (THE HAGUE) – On Monday the Judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) return from a month long judicial recess as the international community braces for their decision on charges against Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir.
The judges of the Pre-Trial Chamber I consist of Akua Kuenyehia from Ghana, Sylvia Steiner from Brazil and Anita Usacka from Latvia.
In mid-July the ICC’s prosecutor Luis Moreno- Ocampo filed 10 charges: three counts of genocide, five of crimes against humanity and two of murder and accused Al-Bashir of masterminding a campaign to get rid of the African tribes in Darfur; Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa.
Many observers expect the Judges to endorse all charges except genocide but Ocampo expressed confidence that the warrant will be issued on all counts.
It is possible that the judges have issued a decision under seal meaning it will be made public only after consultation with the prosecutor’s office as well as Victims and Witnesses Unit in The Hague based court.
The prosecutor is likely to notify the UN leadership of the pending decision for them to take precautions to ensure safety of their staff and aid operations in Sudan.
Khartoum suggested that the UN staff and peacekeepers will be at risk if the judges issue an arrest warrant.
A report published by the Saudi based Al-Watan quoting Sudanese diplomats said that Al-Bashir will conduct a ministerial reshuffle and form an emergency cabinet in wake of a possible arrest warrant.
Other measures would include restricting movements of aid organizations, diplomats and UN Darfur peacekeepers as well as monitoring planes.
The newspaper further said that these measures would effectively suspend implementation of the North-South peace agreement signed in 2005.
However Sudan foreign ministry spokesperson Ali Al-Sadiq dismissed the report.
(ST)
Lokorai
ICC judges return from recess as world awaits decision on Bashir warrant
Dear Judges,
Act responsibly for the sake of peace; justice will take it time later, wait so to safe life and avoid possible anarchy and ensued crisis from an already volatile political environment in the Sudan.
Anyang Ngong Ayuen
ICC judges return from recess as world awaits decision on Bashir warrant
Its time to act or be acted upon, we are just a tick away to the destiny of Bashir which is what we reckon and call for. we cant compromise lives for peace nor should we wait to see this despotic, oracratic and dictatorial leader buying time as people in the war torn Darfur region as well as those of the semi-autonomous southern sudan are suffering.The decision of the judges at the Hague in conjuction with the prosecutor will ease this pressure. Bashir is threatening the liberty and independence of the ICC by all means and thats why truth cant be forfeited for autocracy.we have seen much of Bashir and he has done much of his intentions, its time we should see the decision of the corridors of international powers taking its course. In this regard we appeal to the judges at the Hague not to waste time but to issue their statement, the Rome Statute is very clear and we shouldnt speculate waiting for more atrocities to be committed by Bashir and his machineries.
So enough is enough and we should work on immediate rescue of people who are still suffering in Darfur.
thanks
Anyang Ngong Ayuen