Mawlamyine, March (19)
The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on allegations of war crimes is a warning bell that the same arrest warrant may be issued for the Myanmar coup leader, analysts said.
On March 17, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, for committing war crimes and illegally deporting Ukrainian children during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
After the reports of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrest warrant emerged, the people in Myanmar began to question whether there was a plan to issue an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, who is primarily responsible for committing war crimes after the coup.
Dr. Sai Kyi Zin Soe, a political analyst, concluded that it is possible to issue an arrest warrant for the military leader for committing war crimes in the future, but it is not possible in the current situation.
“Solving our country’s problems depends on how we build trust, understanding, and efforts among local political groups. Even if a military leader is not arrested and dies on his own, the problem of Myanmar will not be solved. In order to solve the country’s problems, we must find the solution ourselves locally,” he added.
In addition, he said, although it is possible to issue an arrest warrant for the military leader for war crimes, an effective complaint is required, and if an arrest warrant is issued for the military group, it may become more difficult for them to deal with other countries.
Veteran politician U Pe Than said, “The International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for Russian President Putin is a wake-up call for war leaders who commit war crimes. The ICC is the only organization that can take action against real war criminals. If the ICC takes action, they have become international criminals”.
He pointed out that the military council has committed mass killings and human rights violations, including those of children, and that ethnic armed groups (EAOs) have also documented them, so it is shocking for military leaders because there is solid evidence.
A legal expert said, “There are gaps in the UN’s handling of Myanmar and Russia, so it has not been possible to immediately issue an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader. We are in conflict with the regime that took power and the political forces that oppose it. According to international law, this is a domestic affair. Therefore, the UN does not interfere in the affairs of Myanmar without a sufficient reason. In my opinion, when I look at the situation and how the United Nations is handling it and taking action, I see that it will not reach the level where an arrest warrant can be issued,” he said. Looking at the way the United Nations is handling it, I don’t see it going to the level where they can issue an arrest warrant for the junta leader”.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an international court that deals with cases related to war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by member countries as well as countries around the world.
The Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Myanmar, Nolin Heza, also said at the UN conference held on March 16 that the Myanmar junta army is beheading and killing members of the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) to maintain power.
In addition, she reported at the UN conference that the coup army is committing brutal acts against the local communities, such as mass killings, aerial bombardment, and burning villages.
News-Than Lwin Times
Photo – AFP