ICC: Malian Jihadist Led Reign of Terror in Timbuktu
On Tuesday, prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) stated in the closing arguments of a trial that Islamist rebel Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz was an "enthusiastic and jubilant" participant in war crimes committed in Timbuktu, in northern Mali.
Facts
- On Tuesday, prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) stated in the closing arguments of a trial that Islamist rebel Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz was an "enthusiastic and jubilant" participant in war crimes committed in Timbuktu, in northern Mali.1
- They claim that Al Hassan headed the al-Qaeda-affiliated Ansar Dine group's police force, established to impose its interpretation of Islamic law and persecute residents following the rebel takeover of the city in 2012.2
- To support their claim, prosecutors produced a video of a much-younger Al Hassan detailing the activities of the Islamist Police; they included floggings and beatings for residents who did not comply with their rules.3
- The alleged former militia leader is facing a possible life sentence for 13 charges of crimes against humanity — dating between April 2012 and January 2013 — before The Hague-based court.3
- Al Hassan's lawyers, who have previously argued that the Ansar Dine leader was trying to maintain order in a chaotic situation after the rebel takeover, are expected to present their closing statements on Wednesday.1
- Al Hassan was transferred to the ICC on March 31, 2018, following an arrest warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity, which were confirmed in 2019. The trial began in mid-2020, with 52 prosecution witnesses and 22 defense witnesses appearing in court.4
Sources: 1Reuters, 2Al Jazeera, 3Courthouse News Service, and 4International Criminal Court.
Narratives
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Fair Trails. Although the ICC should have the moral standing not to rely on evidence allegedly obtained by torture without conducting a proper investigation, Al Hassan's trial shows a lack of commitment regarding the absolute right to be protected from such maltreatment. The ICC has disgracefully failed to comply with international rules, whether the defendant is guilty or not.
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Guardian. While his trial may not cease criticism of the ICC, a successful case against Al Hassan will surely be a boost to the court. Charges against him were already a milestone for justice, as gender-based persecution was highlighted for the first time in history through examination of the persecution carried out by Al Hassan, including forced marriages and sexual enslavement.
