"Today we once again underline that international law and the laws of armed conflict apply to all. No foot soldier, no commander, no civilian leader--no one--can act with impunity."

These unforgettable and powerful words were uttered on May 20 by Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Khan had just then filed applications for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas's leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, as well as for two senior Hamas officers and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

These individuals were being sought for allegedly "bearing criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity."

When filing applications for arrest warrants, the ICC rarely announces the fact. But this time, it went for full disclosure, informing the public in writing, video and even on social media.

When the ICC applied for an arrest warrant last year for Russian President Vladimir Putin with regard to his invasion of Ukraine, the announcement was timed to coincide with the actual issuance of the warrant.

I presume the court's main reason for breaking from routine this time was to use the announcement as a means for impressing upon the international community the urgency to end the dire tragedy in Gaza.

And with respect to Netanyahu in particular, the ICC expressed deep concern over his suspected use of "starvation of civilians" as a method of war.

After his May 20 announcement, Kahn said in an interview that "some elected officials (of a democratic nation) had been quite blunt," telling him to the effect that the ICC's intended role was to deal with "Africa and thugs like Putin."

In this era of hostile divisiveness, the ICC is subject to considerable pressure. The court reportedly receives constant threats and vehement criticisms.

Called a "court of last resort," the ICC investigates and prosecutes individuals for the worst and gravest crimes against humanity.

All individuals--from foot soldiers to commanders--are equal under international law. This is axiomatic, but how difficult it is to see it at work.

--The Asahi Shimbun, May 28

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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VOX POPULI: International Criminal Court deserves respect of all nations

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28.05.2024

"Today we once again underline that international law and the laws of armed conflict apply to all. No foot soldier, no commander, no civilian leader--no one--can act with impunity."

These unforgettable and powerful words were uttered on May 20 by Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Khan had just then filed applications for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas's leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, as well as for two senior Hamas officers and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

These individuals were being sought for allegedly........

© The Asahi Shimbun


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