Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have handed a 20-year prison sentence to a leader of the feared Sudanese Janjaweed militia for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Darfur conflict over two decades ago. Last month, prosecutors had pushed for a life sentence for Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, who was convicted in October on 27 counts, including ordering mass executions and bludgeoning two prisoners with an ax in 2003-2004.
During the sentencing hearing in November, prosecutor Julian Nicholls emphasized that Abd-Al-Rahman committed the crimes knowingly and willfully, displaying enthusiasm and vigor. The 76-year-old listened without reaction as presiding Judge Joanna Korner announced the sentence. He received sentences ranging from eight to 20 years for each count, resulting in an overall 20-year imprisonment.
Judge Korner highlighted that Abd-Al-Rahman not only gave orders leading to the crimes but also personally carried out some using an axe, particularly targeting members of the Fur tribe perceived as supporting a rebellion against Sudanese authorities.
The ICC’s prosecution office stated that they would review the sentencing decision to determine if further action, including a potential appeal for a life term, is warranted. They emphasized the severity of the crimes, which included murders, rapes, and torture with extreme cruelty and violence, affecting a large number of victims.
Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, is the first individual convicted by the ICC for atrocities in Darfur, characterized as part of a government strategy to quell rebellion. While the ICC has a maximum 30-year imprisonment term, judges can impose a life sentence in grave cases. The time Abd-Al-Rahman spent in detention during his trial will be subtracted from his sentence.
Despite the crimes occurring years ago, ongoing violence in Darfur due to civil war necessitates efforts to gather and preserve evidence for potential future prosecutions. Recent alleged atrocities in El Fasher are seen as part of a wider pattern of violence in Darfur that could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, contributing to the need for deterrence, as stated by Judge Korner.
