Two Ghanaian nationals have petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open a preliminary investigation into attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, which they said could constitute crimes against humanity.
South Africa has been experiencing a surge in anti-immigrant protests, accompanied by violence against foreigners, whom protesters blame for problems such as crime and unemployment.
The petition, submitted to the court on July 15, alleges a “pattern of widespread and systematic attacks” against migrants in South Africa and accuses President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government of failing to prevent or punish those crimes, including murder.
Several African migrants have been killed in the violence, while others have been beaten and have seen their homes and shops looted. Tens of thousands have fled the country.
A spokesperson for Ramaphosa did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Ramaphosa has previously condemned the attacks and warned against scapegoating immigrants for deep-rooted problems.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
