By : Lloyd Mahachi
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has sentenced Al-Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud, a former Islamic police chief in Timbuktu, Mali, to 10 years in prison. He was found guilty of war crimes committed during the 2012 occupation of the city by the al-Qaeda-linked Ansar Dine group.
Al-Hassan, 47, was accused of leading a “reign of terror” in Timbuktu. He oversaw public amputations, organized brutal floggings, including of children, and was involved in torture. The ICC recognized that these actions caused significant harm to victims and their families.
Presiding judge Kimberly Prost described the 10-year sentence as “proportionate to the gravity of the crimes.” Although Al-Hassan was acquitted of charges of rape, sexual slavery, and the destruction of Timbuktu’s ancient mausoleums, the ICC acknowledged that crimes of sexual violence occurred under Ansar Dine’s rule.
Rights groups expressed disappointment over Al-Hassan’s acquittal on gender-based crimes, citing testimonies from women who were raped in detention. These groups emphasize the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for all crimes committed.
Al-Hassan was handed over to the ICC in 2018 by Malian authorities and has 30 days to appeal his sentence. The ICC will address reparations for victims in a separate proceeding.
The 2012 Islamist occupation of Timbuktu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, resulted in significant damage to the city’s ancient history. Another Ansar Dine member, Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi, was sentenced to nine years in 2016 for destroying the city’s cultural landmarks.
The ICC’s verdict sends a strong message that those responsible for war crimes will face justice. It provides some closure for victims and their families, who have waited years for accountability.
Timbuktu’s occupation had a profound impact on the city’s residents, who suffered under Ansar Dine’s strict interpretation of Islamic law. The ICC’s ruling is a step toward healing and reconciliation for the people of Mali.
The international community recognizes the importance of prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC’s efforts to hold perpetrators accountable promote justice and human rights worldwide.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
