ICC will not refer Jordan to UN for failure to arrest Sudan’s Bashir
Jordan had cited head of state immunity as the reason for not arresting Sudanese war crimes suspect Omar al-Bashir
The Hague — The International Criminal Court (ICC) will not refer Jordan to the UN Security Council for its failure to arrest Sudanese war crimes suspect Omar al-Bashir when he visited Amman in 2017, judges said on Monday, reversing an earlier decision. Bashir, who was ousted in April after 30 years in power, is the subject of two ICC arrest warrants over his alleged role in war crimes including genocide in Sudan’s Darfur province. Jordan had cited head of state immunity — which is customary under international law — as the reason for not arresting Bashir in 2017, but the ICC court said immunity no longer applied to Bashir due to Sudan's alleged war crimes. In a split ruling, a five-judge panel said that while Jordan should have arrested Bashir, its failure to do so was not grounds for referral because Jordan had tried to consult with the court about the matter ahead of time.
"The appeals chamber confirms ... Jordan had failed to comply with its obligations under the statute b...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.