When the world court convenes you can go argue your case to them.
World Court for Crimes of War Opens in The Hague
The New York Times
March 12, 2003
Page A9
By MARLISE SIMONS
The following is an excerpt:
THE HAGUE, March 11 -" Fiercely opposed by the Bush administration
and long awaited by other countries, a new and permanent international
criminal court for dealing with dictators and war criminals formally
opened today with the swearing in of its bench of 18 judges.
The court's task will be to try individuals - not nations or armies - accused of
large-scale crimes against civilians. The judges, 11 men and 7
women from all over the world, will be part of what was called today
the most ambitious initiative in the history of modern international law.
Dressed in black gowns, the 18 judges took their oath of office in
a 14th-century hall of the Dutch Parliament, before jurists, diplomats, politicians
and government ministers from more than 100 nations.
One by one, their right hands raised, the judges pledged
to perform their duties "honorably, faithfully, impartially and
conscientiously." They also promised to respect "the confidentiality
of investigations and prosecutions and the secrecy of deliberations."
The group elected a president, Philippe Kirsch, a Canadian judge and international law specialist.
Supporters hope the new institution will play a crucial role in averting
as well as prosecuting major human rights abuses.
Although the court is independent of the United Nations,
Secretary General Kofi Annan was present
and said he was looking forward to supporting
its cause, "which is the cause of all humanity."
He urged the judges to act without fear or favor.
"Unspeakable crimes must be deterred," Mr. Annan said, adding that
deterrence has been missing in the past.
"It is needed today as much as ever, and it will be needed in the future."
But the Bush administration, fearing that a politicized prosecutor could indict
American officials or military personnel on missions abroad, has actively
campaigned against the institution and pressed many governments into deals
to disregard any subpoena issued for an American citizen.
Washington has obtained such deals from 21 nations, mainly poor countries
dependent on United States aid."
"The court's jurisdiction covers only crimes committed after July 1, 2002.
Anyone can bring charges, individuals, groups, governments, and the
United Nations Security Council."
Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company |
