Government to study ICC ruling
Government says it has noted the North Gauteng High Court’s ruling on its decision to give notice to withdraw from the international Criminal Court (ICC).
Deputy Judge President Phineas Mojapelo said government should have consulted parliament and ordered them to revoke the notice of intention to withdraw from the ICC.
The Justice Department’s spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga says government is studying the ruling.
"We have noted the decision, we will reflect on the decision for the judgement. We will then decide whether to appeal the judgement or not," says Mhaga.
The Institute for Security Studies spokesperson Allan Ngari says they have always held the view that governments’ decision was unconstitutional.
"We feel the executive’s decision was misguided and the court stamped the authority against the executive’s subversion of the rule of law,” says Ngari.
Human Rights Watch says the court’s decision is victory for international justice.
Spokesperson Dewa Masinga says it is important for the government to comply with the judgement without challenging it.
"The court’s decision was an affirmation that there is a need for South Africa to stand with victims of serious abuses including war crimes. The government needs to accept the decision and do away with the withdrawal notice by fully integrating within the ICC in the interest of international justice,” says Dewa.