The executive summary of by Myanmar's govt-approved probe into the Rohingya crisis has been published. It characterizes what the U.N & others call genocide against the minority as a "haphazard response" by the military to attacks by Muslim militants. That included mass killings. 
Significant that govt is now acknowledging killings of >100 Rohingya civilians.
However - and this comes two days before initial ICJ judgement in genocide case - the report frames crackdown as a "disproportionate response" to militant attacks, not attempt to drive out population
However - and this comes two days before initial ICJ judgement in genocide case - the report frames crackdown as a "disproportionate response" to militant attacks, not attempt to drive out population
The report has several contradictory statements and repeats the claim that Rohingya burned their own homes, to trigger an exodus that would generate pity/draw attention to the plight of the group. At the same time it says "many witnesses" said security forces burned the houses.
There's also one strange passage where the panel say the security forces did not "force" anyone to flee the country - no evidence of "intent" in that respect.
However, they say, the ongoing "mass killing and destruction of property" may have contributed to the decision to flee..
However, they say, the ongoing "mass killing and destruction of property" may have contributed to the decision to flee..
What counts as forcing people to flee if not burning their houses down, killing them en masse, and destroying their property?
The probe - timed two days before important initial judgement in genocide case - attempts to clear authorities of any "intent" behind the violence.
The probe - timed two days before important initial judgement in genocide case - attempts to clear authorities of any "intent" behind the violence.
The panel also say no evidence of rape, as alleged by refugees. Some searches by the military may have amounted to "sexual violence".
Notably they did not manage to interview any of the >1 million Rohingya now in Bangladesh, blaming the govt for not arranging venues.
Notably they did not manage to interview any of the >1 million Rohingya now in Bangladesh, blaming the govt for not arranging venues.
A counterpoint...
'The police officer described how the 33rd and 99th used arson routinely and systematically. “We’d go to a village and burn it down,” he said. “The next day we’d go to another village. And in the evening we’d go to another village.”'
reuters.com/article/us-mya…
'The police officer described how the 33rd and 99th used arson routinely and systematically. “We’d go to a village and burn it down,” he said. “The next day we’d go to another village. And in the evening we’d go to another village.”'
reuters.com/article/us-mya…
