Sudan president could be arrested upon travel abroad: ICC prosecutor
March 2, 2009 (DOHA) — The ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said today that Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir will be apprehended if Judges issue an arrest warrant for him.
“If the chamber issues an arrest warrant then it will be transmitted to the Sudanese government….The UN Security Council referred the case to the ICC and there is no immunity under this [ICC] Statute” Ocampo said.
“Once president Bashir leaves Sudanese territory he could be taken into custody” the ICC prosecutor added.
However Ocampo did not say how an arrest warrant for Bashir would be carried out given widespread regional criticism against the ICC move even among countries which has ratified the Rome Statute.
Last year a senior Ghanaian official told Reuters that his country is unlikely to arrest Sudan’s president at the of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) summit they were holding at the time even if an arrest warrant is issued for him then.
“I don’t think he will be arrested if he comes to Ghana. It is unlikely because there are lots of issues involved which we must consider, apart from our own interest” said a Ghanaian government source who declined to be identified.
“First of all the issue of Bashir’s indictment is inconclusive because there are various discussions still going on. For example the position of the Africa Union, which thinks that the issue could be handled differently. I believe Ghana will not ignore this position and jump the gun” the source said.
The official said that Ghana’s position should not be seen as “condoning the reported atrocities he is alleged to have committed against his own people” but that “continent’s leaders, as well as other bodies, believe justice could be obtained through home-grown mechanisms”.
On Wednesday the ICC judges are set to decide on an application by prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo filed last July requesting the issuance of an arrest warrant for Bashir on three counts of genocide, five of crimes against humanity and two of murder.
Ocampo accused Al-Bashir of masterminding a campaign to get rid of the African tribes in Darfur; Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa.
The Sudanese ambassador at the United Nations (UN) Abdel-Mahmood Abdel-Haleem dismissed Ocampo’s pledge to arrest Bashir.
“It will not be surprise to us if this decision is issued…But it caught our attention what this prosecutor has said who affirms that he wants this court to be a tool of international piracy” Abdel-Haleem said.
The Sudanese envoy noted that regional organizations have overwhelmingly rejected the case against Bashir “because it undermines the sovereignty security and stability of Sudan…it is in violation of firm international conventions on immunities to presidents…the move is politicized and not legal”.
“Therefore [Ocampo] is thinking wishfully and dreaming that he can break the will the majority of the international community….the president of Sudan will carry out his functions as normal” Abdel-Haleem said.
Sudan refused to recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC saying it has not ratified the treaty establishing the court. Currently there are two ICC arrest warrants pending for Ahmed Haroun, state minister for humanitarian affairs, and militia commander Ali Mohamed Ali Abdel-Rahman, also know as Ali Kushayb.
Last year the ICC revealed that it had planned, in cooperation with a number of unidentified countries, to divert a plane that carried Haroun on his way to Saudi Arabia in December to perform the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
“We were getting ready to divert his plane and force it to land and arrest him… Some countries were willing to support and provide information on Haroun [travel] plans. We organized the logistics. Everything was settled” ICC prosecutor told Sudan Tribune.
Ocampo said the Saudi Arabian government was aware of the plans to divert Haroun’s plane.
Sudan’s envoy at the UN described Ocampo as a terrorist and said it was especially infuriating that other countries were willing to help the ICC in the failed operation.
The ICC has no police force so they have to rely on the member states to execute any arrest warrants.
(ST)
Buk Dan Buk
Sudan president could be arrested upon travel abroad: ICC prosecutor
I am still wondering about ICC decision. What is taking them so long to decide, they have all they evidences and most people from they entire country are supporting them and still they don’t want to issue the arrest warrant. They need to hurry up. we need to see they outcome of these issue before the election.
This guy is guilty and he desreve to receieve his punishment. Look here Mr Ocampo, you need to make up your mind quick, we can’t wait for another few month, election is on they way, that mean your decision must be this month only and not later than this month.
madesio ukel
Sudan president could be arrested upon travel abroad: ICC prosecutor
Wonderfull new,
Since It was announce nothing will change ICC move.
Bashir Must defend himself for Crime he did.
Trial Body,you have been announcing the arrest of warrant but time has come to an end as you mention.
Bashir,May your supporters get risk of support.
Garang
Sudan president could be arrested upon travel abroad: ICC prosecutor
I cant wait to see this sudan dictator Al Bashire hang like Sadam Hussien untill his own legs quit kicking
tayeb M. Alhassan
Sudan president could be arrested upon travel abroad: ICC prosecutor
Albasheer has signed the CPA to end the 50 years war and gave South secede option if South people don’t like unity with North any more.
Albasheer has stopped Sudan to beg for food and now Sudan and few years will export food abroad.
Albasheer has built Merawi Dam to save Sudan going dim every now then as used to be in the past.
Albasheer could stop Darfur war if Darfur war mongers have not put hands on conspirators’ hands to destroy Sudan because Sudan said no to the new colonial back return
Albasheer promised for clean elections to be replaced and all political parties now doing their homework if they will to succeed.
Albasheer has done a lot for those who appreciate but those who don’t let them die with heart pain
Albasheer is man for peace as he used to be a man for war
All of you ICC Fans will see in open convention how Sudanese Nation loves the great, credible, genuine, true patriotic Sudanese president Albasheer
Draw a line to chose in which side you can stand.