The trial was the first at the international criminal court to focus solely on cultural destruction as a war crime. It was also the first prosecution of an Islamic militant by the institution, which is based in The Hague. The shrines were “the heart of Mali’s cultural heritage [and] were of great importance to people of Timbuktu,” he said. Mahdi, from a village 62 miles (100km) outside Timbuktu, had been in neighbouring Algeria when the Islamic factions launched their offensive. One of the most important shrines damaged in Timbuktu was recently opened to the public and worshippers after restoration.

Source: The Guardian September 27, 2016 10:25 UTC