Hadra: Kushayb Was Just an Executor

Hadra: Kushayb Was Just an Executor – ICC Ruling Condemns Former Islamist Regime – Khartoum Highlight- Interview – Omar Al-Faki

Lawyer Moez Hadra, a member of the prosecution in the 1989 coup case, described the ICC ruling against Ali Kushayb as historic and well-founded. He said it sends a message to victims of oppression and to rulers everywhere that the era of impunity has ended. Hadra said Kushayb was only an executor. The real responsibility lies with the political and military leaders of the former Islamist regime. He stressed that Kushayb’s conviction is a conviction of the entire system.

What is the significance of the ICC ruling against Kushayb?

It is a historic and well-reasoned legal judgment. It tells every victim of state oppression that justice will come, no matter how late. People in Darfur have waited since 2003. Now, justice has finally arrived. This ruling sends a message to all those committing crimes against civilians today that impunity is over. The ICC will pursue them regardless of time or regime. How does this ruling affect Sudan’s current reality?
It warns those still committing crimes against civilians that justice will catch up with them. The ICC’s judgment is a milestone, delayed for 22 years, but it proves accountability is possible.

What message does it send to the Port Sudan authorities harboring fugitives?.

The ruling tells them that hiding criminals is itself a crime. The ICC made clear that political and military leaders are legally accountable for crimes under their command. It also signals that those involved in atrocities—before and after April’s war, or in attacks on civilians—could fall under ICC jurisdiction. The Port Sudan authorities are sheltering wanted criminals, which makes them complicit.

Can this verdict be seen as a first step toward bringing other suspects, including Bashir and Haroun, to justice?
Yes. Kushayb’s conviction condemns the entire former regime. It implicates senior leaders like Omar al-Bashir, Ahmed Haroun, and Abdel Rahim Hussein. Judge statements even cited Haroun’s infamous phrase in Arabic, “crush and sweep, don’t leave anyone alive,” as evidence. This is a preemptive indictment of the regime. Do you expect public reaction inside Sudan?
Yes. The ruling restores faith in international justice. It challenges local courts that lack will or courage to prosecute crimes against humanity.

Will this verdict restore trust in the ICC after years of criticism?

Certainly. The ruling rebuilds confidence in the ICC and international institutions. It shows that justice will prevail, no matter how long it takes. Does this decision revive the international community’s role toward Sudan’s civilians? Yes. It reminds the world that accountability is possible, even after decades. It tells those committing atrocities today to stop and respect international humanitarian law. Bombing civilian areas is a war crime. The ruling sends a clear message to Sudan’s warlords that impunity is over. For victims, it’s a sign that justice lives on — and that arrests of other suspects must follow.