A few months ago a prosecutor for the International Criminal Court at the Hauge presented formal allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Sudan's president in Khartoum, Omar Al-Bashir, for orchestrating the massacre of thousands of innocent villagers in the Darfour region of the country. The charges are now being reviewed by the court and could result in the issuance of an arrest warrant for Al-Bashir. African and Arab nations have strongly opposed pursuing the prosecution of Bashir, arguing that this course of action could radically destabilize the region and result in greater harm. The Khartoum government is apparently trying to deflect attention from Bashir by recently arresting a prominent leader of one of the roving bands of marauders, known as the "janjaweed," partly responsible for the violence in Darfur.
The story about the arrest of Ali Kushayb can be read in the online version of the New York Times from Tuesday, October 14, 2008.
Nicholas Kristof, a regular op-ed contributor to the Times, has written extensively about the situation in Darfur, and occasionally about what is taking place in Southern Sudan. His pieces can be viewed by clicking HERE.
No comments:
Post a Comment