ICC Sentences Sudanese Militia Leader for Darfur Atrocities

The International Criminal Court sentenced Sudanese Janjaweed militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman to 20 years in prison for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur over 20 years ago. Prosecutors had sought a life sentence for his 27 counts of heinous war crimes.

In a landmark ruling, the International Criminal Court has sentenced Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman, a leader of Sudan's notorious Janjaweed militia, to 20 years of imprisonment. His conviction follows charges of perpetrating egregious war crimes and crimes against humanity during the devastating conflict in Darfur over two decades ago.

Abd–Al-Rahman faced judgment for 27 counts, including ordering mass executions and personally executing prisoners with an axe between 2003 and 2004. Last month, prosecutors argued for a life sentence, underscoring the brutal nature of his actions.

Despite the severity of the sentence, Abd–Al-Rahman, now 76, stood stoically as Presiding Judge Joanna Korner delivered the court's decision. His lack of visible reaction contrasted starkly with the gravity of his crimes.

(With inputs from agencies.)