Extremists linked to Al Qaeda inflicted significant damage to Timbuktu, Mali’s cultural heritage in 2012 and 2013, including the destruction 14 out of the 16 mausoleums with World Heritage status, when they overran northern Mali. Now the first suspect accused of the war crime of the intentional destruction of historic monuments and buildings has been transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for prosecution.
The suspect, Ahmad Al-Mahdi Al-Faqi, was transferred from neighboring Niger to the ICC, located in The Hague, under the accusation of the war crime of direct attacks against buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes, and historic monuments.
“This is the first such case and it breaks new ground for the protection of humanity’s shared cultural heritage and values," Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said in a statement today.
"The cultural heritage of Mali belongs to all humanity. It is vital that the criminals be brought to justice. This is justice for Mali, the identities and history of its people – this is justice for all women and men everywhere," she added.
UNESCO led a global movement decrying the destruction in the age-old city on the southern edge of the desert and helped with the Government and local community to rebuild and restore the mausoleums. "UNESCO kept its promise to rebuild the mausoleums of Timbuktu," Ms. Bokova said after a visit to Mali in July.
(cgb)