THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) delivered a significant ruling on Tuesday, sentencing Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, a leader of the notorious Sudanese Janjaweed militia, to 20 years imprisonment for his role in war crimes and crimes against humanity during the devastating conflict in Darfur over two decades ago.
During a hearing held last month, prosecutors had aimed for a life sentence for Abd-Al-Rahman, who was convicted in October on 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. These charges included ordering mass executions and personally bludgeoning two prisoners to death with an ax between 2003 and 2004. Prosecutor Julian Nicholls highlighted the severity of Abd-Al-Rahman's actions, indicating that he carried out these crimes “knowingly, willfully, and with... enthusiasm and vigor.”
At the sentencing hearing, Abd-Al-Rahman, 76, stood silently as Presiding Judge Joanna Korner announced the sentence. Judges imposed various sentences for each count, ranging from eight to 20 years, ultimately consolidating them into an overarching term of 20 years. Judge Korner emphasized that Abd-Al-Rahman “not only gave the orders that led directly to the crimes” targeting mostly members of the Fur tribe, but he also personally committed some of those acts, utilizing an ax against prisoners.
Abd-Al-Rahman, who is also referred to as Ali Kushayb, is notably the first individual convicted by the ICC for acts of atrocity in Sudan's Darfur region. The trial judges concluded that the crimes perpetrated by the Janjaweed militia were a part of a systematic government plan to suppress a rebellion in the area. While the ICC has a maximum sentence of 30 years, judges can extend this to life imprisonment in particularly grave cases. Abd-Al-Rahman's pre-trial detention period will be deducted from his final sentence.
Despite the crimes being committed more than two decades ago, violence remains a persistent issue in Darfur, exacerbated by the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The ICC's prosecutors are currently focused on collecting and preserving evidence related to the recent violence in the besieged city of el-Fasher, which they assert may constitute further war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC has indicated that evidence from these latest alleged atrocities could be valuable for future prosecutions.
Judge Korner noted the importance of deterrence in imposing ICC sentences, stating that such measures are critical to preventing future crimes. She remarked, “Deterrence is particularly apposite in this case given the current state of affairs in Sudan.” This underscores the court's commitment to addressing the historical and ongoing violence in the region and sending a clear message about the consequences of such actions.
The legal proceedings and their implications reflect a broader struggle for justice in areas afflicted by conflict and highlight the ICC’s role in holding individuals accountable for their actions during times of war and unrest. The case against Abd-Al-Rahman serves not only as a landmark moment for the ICC but also as a significant step toward accountability for the atrocities faced by the people of Darfur.
