South African opposition challenges withdrawal in High Court

intern

November 17, 2016 10:07 AM

Many African countries have criticised the ICC for being biased towards Africa.

Leader of South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) Mmusi Maimane speaks during a news conference in Johannesburg, South Africa April 1, 2016. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo

South Africa’s opposition political party, Democratic Alliance (DA), said it would continue to challenge the country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the country’s High Court not minding the dismissal in the Constitutional Court.

Mmusi Maimane, the Leader of the DA said on Wednesday in Johannesburg that earlier this week, the country’s Constitutional Court dismissed the application by the opposition to have direct access to challenge the country’s withdrawal from ICC.

He said the Democratic Alliance had opposed the government’s intention to pull out of the ICC and for this reason the party lodged its application with both Constitutional Court and the High Court last month.

Maimane claimed it is unconstitutional for the country to withdraw from the ICC without the Parliament debating the matter.

The withdrawal would become effective after one year.

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