In calling the atrocities committed in Conakry, Guinea “crimes against humanity,” the United Nations has taken one step toward bringing those responsible for that criminal behavior to justice. Our world leaders must urge the International Criminal Court, which is legally independent of the U.N., to prosecute all perpetrators to the full extent of the law and to issue a status report of the I.C.C. investigation underway.
Although the U.N. has singled out specific military leaders as the individuals directly responsible for the massacre, the I.C.C. must fully investigate and hold accountable all individuals who were either directly or indirectly involved in the attacks. Until that happens, justice will not be served.
Norman Siegel, New York
The writer is a civil rights lawyer and the Treasurer of the Amadou Diallo Foundation, Inc.