A rare conviction at the ICC for Darfur atrocities highlights the growing global problem of official impunity, where powerful leaders like Netanyahu, the US Defense Secretary, and Putin allegedly evade justice for war crimes and human rights abuses, believing themselves untouchable.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently secured a rare success by jailing Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman, a Janjaweed militia leader, for 20 years for genocide and war crimes in Darfur. This conviction stands in stark contrast to the widespread problem of official impunity, where many high-profile figures evade international justice. Former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and minister Ahmad Harun, also charged with Darfur atrocities, remain at large, scoffing at allegations. The article draws parallels to other powerful figures accused of severe wrongdoing, including Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, the US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Russia's Vladimir Putin. Netanyahu is accused of genocide in Gaza, fraud, and bribery, and is actively trying to avoid an ICC reckoning and domestic legal challenges. Pete Hegseth, the US Defense Secretary, is depicted as authorizing extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean, with former President Trump's explicit backing, demonstrating a disregard for international law. Vladimir Putin, wanted by the ICC, is also mentioned as benefiting from attempts by Trump to grant him immunity. The author argues that this pervasive impunity, where powerful states and leaders believe they are above the law, leads to anarchy and undermines the foundational rules of human society, concluding that these 'smirking killers' must eventually be held accountable.
