Khartoum, Asharq Al-Awsat- The Sudanese Minister of Justice, Abdel Basit Sabderat, has told Asharq Al-Awsat that Sudan has national courts that were formed to settle cases of crimes against humanity committed in Darfur and that these courts will be activated.
He said, “Internal investigations related to regional cases are ongoing and if necessary other courts will be set up.”
Sabderat revealed that one of the problems that the government has faced in the past regarding cases of crimes against humanity committed in Darfur relates to finding witnesses for the cases. He said, “Cases like these always emerge after war but it is difficult to get witnesses [to come forward] in certain circumstances such as in Darfur.”
Sabderat stressed, “No one will escape punishment, but in a legal context and not through politics, maliciousness or targeting.”
The Sudanese Minister of Justice returned to Khartoum Wednesday after participating in the Peace and Security Council of the African Union meeting that was held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, July 22, 2008. The meeting focused on developments in the Darfur issue after the International Criminal Court (ICC) sought a warrant of arrest for the Sudanese President Omar al Bashir.
Sabderat highlighted that Sudanese laws have always preserved Sudan, its people and its borders without any foreign intervention. He added, “Sudan will not waver on its position. Throughout its long history, Sudan has always worked to uphold the values of the law.”
Sabderat praised what he called assistance offered to Sudan by the Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, during the Peace and Security Council of the African Union meeting since he “illustrated a noble nationalistic Arab spirit during the talks, which welcomed the Sudanese position towards the ICC,” said Sabderat.
He stated that the Peace and Security Council of the African Union consolidated the African Union’s resolution (during its 11th Summit held in Sharm el Sheikh) concerning non-interference in the affairs of African countries and following up on double standards towards presidents and their nations.