South Africa to leave ICC

South Africa says it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, (ICC). Justice Minister Michael Masutha said Friday a bill will be submitted to parliament recommending that South Africa repeal implementation of the Rome Statute that created the court. The statue legally obligates its signatories to arrest anyone sought by the ICC, which was established […]

South Africa says it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, (ICC).
Justice Minister Michael Masutha said Friday a bill will be submitted to parliament recommending that South Africa repeal implementation of the Rome Statute that created the court.
The statue legally obligates its signatories to arrest anyone sought by the ICC, which was established to bring to justice the perpetrators of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. African countries, however, say the court has solely focused on leaders on their continent.
South Africa’s decision to withdraw can be traced back to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir’s controversial visit to South Africa last year for a two-day meeting of African Union heads of state.
Under the Rome Statute, South Africa could have arrested Bashir as he is wanted by the ICC on genocide charges — charges that Bashir has denied.