Today, the trial against Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi (Al Mahdi) commenced before Trial Chamber VIII of the International Criminal Court.

Al Mahdi, allegedly a member of the Ansar Eddine militant group active in Mali, has been charged with the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against historic monuments and buildings dedicated to religion, including nine mausoleums and one mosque in Timbuktu, Mali, allegedly committed between 30 June and 11 July 2012.

Read the full statement by the Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice.