Darfur suspect a 'fugitive,' says International Criminal Court Prosecutor

Despite an arrest warrant being issued for him one year ago by the International Criminal Court (ICC), a Sudanese minister accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes in the war-ravaged region of Darfur is free and is a "fugitive," the body;s Prosecutor said today.

"He attacked Sudanese people, his people, those he vowed to protect as Minister; he is an indicted minister, he is a fugitive," ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said in a press release. "He will end up in Court."

Last 27 April, the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber issued warrants for the arrest of Ahman Harun, former Minister of State for the Interior of Sudan -- and current Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs -- and Janjaweed militia leader Ali Muhammad Al Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb.

According to The Hague-based ICC, evidence collected over two years from different sources shows that Mr. Harun financed, armed and incited the Janjaweed to attack Darfurian villages from 2003-2004 and killing civilians, with Mr. Kushyab having led the attacks. Their actions have allegedly forced millions to flee their homes.

No national proceedings related to these crimes have been held in Sudan, Mr. Moreno-Ocampo noted. "Brutal and massive attacks, rapes, tortures were committed 5 years ago against Sudanese citizens and their own Government promised everything and has done nothing."

The arrest warrants for Mr. Harun and Mr. Kushayb were transmitted to Sudan last 16 June, but the Government has not responded, is not cooperating and has not complied with Security Council Resolution 1593.

That resolution, from 2005, calls on the Sudanese Government to "cooperate fully and provide any necessary assistance to the Court and the Prosecutor."

"Crimes are thoroughly organized. Destitution is organized. Insecurity is organized," the Prosecutor said, noting that the focus of the second investigation will be on the "mobilization of the state apparatus to plan, commit and cover up the crimes."

Mr. Moreno-Ocampo is scheduled to report to the Council on 5 June on progress made in the investigation, after which he will present his evidence to the Judge.

"I urge the international community to send a strong and unanimous message to the Government of the Sudan, requesting the execution of the arrest warrants. The [Government of Sudan], as the territorial State, has a responsibility to do so. They can, they must surrender the two indicted criminals now, and break the system of violence and impunity in Darfur," he said.