Outcomes of Minister Lamola’s meeting with the Office of the Prosecutor of International Criminal Court
On Wednesday 7 December 2023 the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services meet with the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (OTP).
The OTP was duly represented by Prosecutor Mr. Karim Khan KC and his Deputy Mr. Mame Mandiaye Niang.
Both Minister Lamola and Mr Khan reflected on mutual areas of concern amongst others this includes the limited resources under which the office has to ensure that rule of law becomes the preserve of all nations.
The Prosecutor highlighted how their investigation on the State of Palestine is constrained by the offices inability to access Gaza. Minister Lamola noted that on the face it appears as though the government Israel have not acted in a manner which enables the OTP to function and execute its mandate.
Having met victims on both sides of the after the October 7, the Prosecutor reiterated that "In Gaza, there is no justification for doctors to perform operations without light, for children to be operated upon without anesthetics.” And equally in the West Bank “No Israeli settler armed with an ideology and a gun can think it's open season against Palestinians.”
Both the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and the Prosecutor agreed that the independence of OTP is sacrosanct and it needs to mount a case that will withstand any reasonable scrutiny.
Enquiries
Mr. Chrispin Phiri
Ministry Spokesperson
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