Domino Effect…

South Africa, Burundi and Gambia have announced intentions to pull out of the International Criminal Court. “South Africa has a long and difficult history with human rights and many fear that this move could be an enormous setback for the country,” reports David Gilbert. “Legal experts worry the move will leave South Africa without the necessary tools to prevent the most heinous crimes taking place.” Walking away from the ICC, called unconstitutional by the opposition party, has divided the country. The court prosecutes those accused of genocide, war crimes and other serious crimes when national courts cannot or decline, and some legal experts express concern that South Africa could become a haven for many accused of horrific crimes, like Omar al-Bashir who was indicted for war crimes in the Darfur region. Some Africans describe the court as biased against the continent, but six of nine cases brought by governments came from Africa. – YaleGlobal