Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have handed a 20-year prison sentence to a prominent figure of the feared Sudanese Janjaweed militia for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the devastating conflict in Darfur over two decades ago.
Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, was convicted in October on 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, which included giving orders for mass executions and using an axe to kill two prisoners in 2003-2004. Prosecutors had initially sought a life sentence for him.
During the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Julian Nicholls emphasized that Abd-Al-Rahman committed the crimes knowingly and willfully, showing enthusiasm and vigor. The presiding Judge Joanna Korner delivered sentences ranging from eight to 20 years for each count, resulting in an overall joint sentence of 20 years.
Abd-Al-Rahman was found responsible for both ordering and personally carrying out brutal attacks targeting members of the Fur tribe who were perceived to support a rebellion against Sudanese authorities. The court highlighted his direct involvement in the crimes, including the use of an axe to beat prisoners.
The ICC’s prosecution office is considering appealing the decision and potentially pushing for a life term, citing the extreme gravity of the crimes committed by Abd-Al-Rahman. The office stressed the severity of the atrocities, which involved murders, rapes, torture, and persecution carried out with high levels of cruelty and violence, affecting a significant number of victims.
While Abd-Al-Rahman is the first person convicted by the ICC for crimes in Darfur, ongoing violence continues to afflict the region amid Sudan’s civil war. The court’s sentences serve as a deterrent to prevent future crimes, especially in light of the current situation in Sudan.
The ICC has a maximum sentence of 30 years, with the possibility of life imprisonment in severe cases. Abd-Al-Rahman’s detention time before and during the trial will be subtracted from the 20-year sentence. The court aims to address the broader pattern of violence in Darfur, with a focus on preventing further atrocities in the region.
Image: Cyril Laucci, lead counsel for Abd-al-Rahman, sitting at the ICC in The Hague (Photo credit: Peter Dejong/Pool via Reuters)