Myanmar's lawyer defends his decision to represent govt in genocide case

Canian lawyer William Schabas, who specialises in international criminal and human rights law, rejected criticism for defending Myanmar at International Court of Justice (ICJ). Schabas was one to research systematic attack against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and later ended up defending state against alleged gecide. Schabas said both sides have a right to have competent representation, emphasising that he is an international lawyer and take up international law cases.

Criticism of Schabas

Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, lambasted Schabas saying lawyer sold Rohingya Muslims out for money. “William Schabas is basically selling out Rohingya for some Myanmar gov't $$$. Really worst sort of behavior, how totally immoral and two-faced,” tweeted Robertson. Ar Human Rights activist shared a screenshot of a documentary where Schabas h mitted that crimes against Rohingya Muslims can be called gecide.

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On December 11, Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi denied gecide allegations against Myanmar’s military at Hague. She blamed Gambia, country that filed case at ICJ, of putting “an incomplete, misleing factual picture” of situation in Rakhine state. bel laureate questioned accusations of “gecidal intent” citing that state actively investigates and punishes anyone involved in wrongdoing. 

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Suu Kyi defence was followed by a statement from human rights organisation Amnesty International where it said that denial must t distract people from ongoing Rohingya crisis.

“Aung San Suu Kyi tried to downplay severity of crimes committed against Rohingya population,” said  Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty International’s Regional Director.

““ Court and international community should move swiftly to protect Rohingya and prevent furr atrocities. This includes ordering Myanmar to lift discriminatory restrictions, ensure humanitarian access, and cooperate fully with any international investigation,” he ded.

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(With inputs from ncies)