The International Criminal Court has taken the first steps toward prosecuting those who not only commit serious crimes against cultural, religious and historical heritage but also against our environment and animals. The ICC has sentenced an Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist for destroying mosques, education and cultural sites/objects in Timbuktu, Mali. These extremists were eradicating Islamic associated heritage, (which presumably “Muslim extremists” viewed as somehow un-Islamic despite centuries tradition of development as education and cultural as well as religious sites.)  (See: Decision of ICC ).

This precedent now could be further support/precedent for prosecuting crimes against the environment or even animals, (as previously ICC was focused, when I signed ICC-Rome Statute, on “grave violations of international humanitarian law,” then mostly interpreted as crimes against persons).  Now, the definition is being defined more comprehensively and inclusively.  “The International Criminal Court will Start Prosecuting People Who Commit Crimes Against the Environment.”