The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has requested an arrest warrant for Myanmar's leader and military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, accusing him of crimes against humanity in the persecution of the Rohingya, the world's largest stateless population.
Over 730,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh following a military campaign in August 2017, during Min Aung Hlaing's tenure as military chief under a civilian-led government. UN investigators labeled the campaign a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing," citing mass killings, sexual violence, and village destruction.
Myanmar's government denied the allegations, asserting that its forces conducted legitimate operations against militants.
The ICC reports that over one million Rohingya have left Myanmar’s Rakhine State since the crackdown, most residing in dire conditions in Bangladesh, home to the world's largest refugee camp. Many risk dangerous sea voyages to reach Malaysia or Indonesia.
Rohingya who remain in Rakhine State face ongoing instability, caught in a civil war that intensified after Min Aung Hlaing’s 2021 coup, as the military clashes with the rebel Arakan Army.
ICC judges must now determine whether there are "reasonable grounds" to hold Min Aung Hlaing, currently Myanmar’s president and prime minister, criminally responsible for the deportation and persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Myanmar's junta stated it does not recognize the ICC, as the country is not a member. Local media and pro-military social platforms echoed this stance. The junta-controlled Global New Light of Myanmar avoided mentioning the ICC but highlighted Min Aung Hlaing’s economic discussions with the national finance commission.
Due to escalating conflict and territorial losses to rebels, Min Aung Hlaing’s domestic movements are unannounced and restricted. International travel remains rare, primarily to allied nations such as Russia and China. He last traveled abroad in November 2023, visiting China for a summit.
Analysts believe an arrest warrant would likely have limited impact, as the countries Min Aung Hlaing frequents are not ICC members.
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard called the ICC move a critical step to break Myanmar's "cycle of impunity."
The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar emphasized the need to address the lack of accountability fueling ongoing violence.
Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government celebrated the announcement, with acting president Duwa Lashi La stating it validated the experiences of the Rohingya and called for further accountability. China’s foreign ministry urged the ICC to act with fairness and caution in its proceedings.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters file
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