The New York Times just reported that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has decided to issue an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. While the warrant has not yet been officially issued, a panel of judges has conveyed its decision to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. A formal announcement is expected in the next couple of days.
ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo requested an arrest warrant for President Bashir in July on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. However, the precise charges that will accompany the warrant have not been revealed.
The judges’ announcement comes after weeks of speculation about what a warrant will mean for efforts to achieve peace Darfur, and an escalation of violence in the region since January.
We will be sure to keep you posted as more details are released.