The International Criminal Court has issued a 10-year prison sentence to Al-Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud for war crimes committed during his leadership of Timbuktu’s Islamic police. While convicted of organizing public amputations and floggings, including against children, Al-Hassan was acquitted of charges relating to sexual violence and the destruction of historic mausoleums. The court acknowledged the occurrence of sexual crimes during Ansar Dine’s rule but determined he bore no direct responsibility. Human rights organizations expressed disappointment regarding the sexual violence acquittals, citing victim testimonies of detention center assaults. The decision represents a significant step in addressing war crimes in Mali’s ongoing conflict.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 21, 2024 11:02 UTC