Electric Chair Political Blunder To Fool Voters

By Muheed Jeeran -March 28, 2014 |

Muheed Jeeran

These days the most spoken about topics in Sri Lankan political circles  arethe UNHRC resolution and the Electric Chair of the International Criminal Court (ICC). All the leaders, from the ruling party to the opposition, talk primarily about the electric chair, and I was wondering why these political mavericks are talking about something which is not in place at all in the ICC.

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa accused his local political enemies on many stages that they are trying to take him to the electric chair.  President Rajapaksa  has offered to  even sit  on an electric chair rather than betray the troops who brought victory and global fame to his government.

On the other hand, Former Army Commander and Democratic Party LeaderSarath Fonseka said that if there are war crimes allegations against the Sri Lankan Army and somebody goes to the electric chair, it would be him.

Then the opposition leader and Leader of the United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe started firing his part too in this saga. He said, “the President, any military personnel or a war hero cannot be summoned before the International Criminal Court and I have taken measures to prevent it. If someone is saying that it is not, I am ready even to go to the electric chair for the country”.

While watching this political pow-wow  I thought to analyse the topic, though I know they are talking about something which is not in place in the past or present system of ICC.  The first purpose and function of the court is to prosecute war criminals, and  others guilty of “enumerated” crimes. It is also important to note, the ICC is intended to complement existing national judicial systems, and may only exercise its jurisdiction when national courts are unwilling or unable to investigate or prosecute such crimes .Read More