NUG Calls for Removal from Argentine Court Arrest Warrants

NUG Calls for Removal of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Htin Kyaw from Argentine Court Arrest Warrants

The National Unity Government NUG calls for removal to the Argentine court for former Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and former President U Htin Kyaw from the list of individuals facing arrest warrants in connection with crimes against the Rohingya community.

In a statement issued on February 18, 2025, the NUG reaffirmed its commitment to justice for the Rohingya and welcomed legal action against Myanmar’s military leadership. However, it strongly objected to the inclusion of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Htin Kyaw in the case, labeling it as a “misguided and erroneous legal accusation.”

According to the NUG, the mass atrocities against the Rohingya in 2017 were carried out solely by the Myanmar military under the command of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The statement referenced Myanmar’s 2008 Constitution, which granted the military full authority over security operations, effectively limiting the civilian government’s control over military actions.

“The perpetrators of these crimes are Min Aung Hlaing and his associates. Including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Htin Kyaw in the prosecution is legally flawed and could create misunderstandings between ethnic communities, hindering reconciliation efforts,” the statement read.

The NUG emphasized that both leaders had sought peaceful solutions to the Rohingya crisis, highlighting the establishment of the “Kofi Annan Commission” as a key effort by the civilian government to address long-term issues related to the Rohingya population.

Furthermore, the NUG warned that the Argentine court’s move could have unintended consequences for Myanmar’s democratic transition. It argued that prosecuting civilian leaders alongside military officials would weaken national unity and obstruct the ongoing resistance against military rule.

“The ongoing Spring Revolution is fighting to bring an end to military dictatorship in Myanmar. Targeting civilian leaders in legal proceedings will ultimately benefit the terrorist military council,” the statement concluded.

The Argentine court had previously issued arrest warrants for 25 individuals, including Min Aung Hlaing, top military officials, and civilian leaders, in response to a case brought forward by the UK-based Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK). The case seeks justice for the Rohingya genocide and crimes against humanity committed by the Myanmar military.

The NUG’s statement signals a clear stance in support of international legal action against military perpetrators while urging careful consideration of civilian leaders’ roles in the case. The response from the Argentine judiciary remains to be seen.