By Nway / MPA
Ronan Sann Lwin, co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition, asserted that Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, cannot escape fugitive status if an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant is issued, even though the junta refuses to recognize the ICC.
The ICC Prosecutor, on Wednesday, submitted a formal request for an arrest warrant against Min Aung Hlaing for crimes committed against the Rohingya population.
Responding to the junta’s statement that Myanmar is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize its authority, Ronan Sann Lwin insisted that an arrest warrant would nevertheless place Min Aung Hlaing under international scrutiny.
He also told MPA, “The military junta’s refusal to recognize the ICC arrest warrant does not matter. The warrant is being issued based on clear evidence of crimes. Once issued, Min Aung Hlaing will be considered a fugitive. All countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute will be obligated to arrest him, and even non-signatory nations may choose to do so if they decide to cooperate.”
The Rome Statute is an international treaty establishing the ICC’s jurisdiction over serious crimes such as genocide, human rights violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, including those committed through the use of military force.
In September 2024, despite an active ICC arrest warrant, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Mongolia, a Rome Statute signatory. The Mongolian President welcomed him with a grand reception, highlighting varying responses to ICC warrants globally.
Addressing comparisons, Ronan Sann Lwin stated, “We cannot compare Min Aung Hlaing to Putin in terms of power. Putin is the president of a major global power, while Min Aung Hlaing holds a different level of authority. The treatment of such cases depends significantly on the individual’s position and influence. Min Aung Hlaing is unlikely to be treated in the same way as Putin. If the arrest warrant is issued, we will gain more clarity on the implications.”
The ICC Prosecutor has reportedly relied on extensive evidence, including analysis, testimonies, and findings shared by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), which collaborated closely with the ICC on this case.
The arrest warrant request has been welcomed by organizations such as the British Rohingya Organization UK (BROUK) and Burma Campaign UK, among others. Major international news outlets, including CNN, Reuters, and the BBC, have also reported on the development.
This represents the ICC’s first arrest warrant request against a Myanmar military leader, with additional warrants likely to follow.
ICC judges will now determine whether the evidence meets the necessary standards to issue an arrest warrant for Min Aung Hlaing.
