Warrant issued for al-Bashir's arrest

International Court issues warrant for Sudan president First ever indictment of a sitting leader

By Peter O’Neil, Canwest News Service

March 4, 2009 6:13 AM

Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir arrives to inaugurate the Merowe Dam in northern Sudan, about 350 km (220 miles) north of the capital Khartoum, March 3, 2009. Bashir was defiant towards the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday, telling it to 'eat' an expected warrant for his arrest for alleged war crimes in Darfur. Photograph by: Zohra Bensemra, Reuters

PARIS — Brushing aside warnings of a possible dramatic spike in violence in Sudan, the International Criminal Court announced Wednesday it is issuing an arrest warrant against President Omar al-Bashir for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Darfur region. The ICC’s first-ever indictment of a sitting government leader came amid increased tension in Sudan, with the country warning of repercussions for those who co-operate with the court. "The armed forces will firmly deal with whoever co-operates with the so-called International Criminal Court, and uses it as a platform for political blackmail and for destabilizing the security and stability of the country," spokesman Osman al-Aghbash said on state-owned Radio Omdurman, according to Agence France-Presse. Last month, Sudan’s intelligence chief Salah Gosh also threatened ICC supporters. "We will sever the limbs of those who attempt to stick their hands in to execute the (ICC) plans," he said. Rebels have vowed to respond with force to any military reaction by Khartoum.