ICC: Arrest warrant demanded for Myanmar Commander-in-Chief after Rohingya crimes

In November 2024, an application for an arrest warrant has been filed by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-Chief of Myanmar’s army, claiming he was involved in crimes against humanity against the Rohingya population. 

The charges arise from alleged crimes committed by Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s armed forces) together with police, border guards and non-Rohingya civilians between August 25th and December 31st, 2017. 

The accusations comprehend the systematic killings of 10.000 Rohingya people and gender-based violence against women and girls, including rape and sexual violence that entailed, as a consequence, the flee of over one million Rohingya from their homes to seek refuge in Bangladesh. 

The request for the arrest warrant has been issued after investigating and gathering evidence, including testimonies from insider witnesses, documentary proof and scientific and visual materials, acquired with the help of states, civil society and international organizations. 

The arrest warrant has not been issued yet as the judges from the ICC’s Pre-trial Chamber have to determine if the evidence meets the requirements to take action. If approved, the Prosecutor will work with the ICC Registrar to arrange Min Aung Hlaing’s arrest.