Government to study ICC ruling
The South African government says it will study the ruling by the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and seek legal opinion on available options.
The ICC has unanimously ruled against South Africa's decision to not arrest Al-Bashir.
Al-Bashir, who is wanted on charges of genocide, attended an African Union summit in 2015.
"The Government notes in particular that the ICC has decided not to refer the matter to the Assembly of State Parties and the United Nations Security Council," says the Department of International Relations and Cooperation's Nelson Kgwete.
Kgwete says South Africa reiterates its total commitment to the principles of international justice.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance's (DA) James Selfe says the ruling is an indictment on the ANC-led government.
"This judgement reiterates what the DA has long held - that the actions of the ANC-led government in June 2015 showed a disregard for the Rule of Law and for the principle of justice," says Selfe.
Selfe says it of grave concern that the ANC remains committed to the stance of withdrawing from the ICC, having reiterated this sentiment at its policy conference.
"The ANC seems intent on relegating South Africa to the status of a scumbag nation which protects the law-breakers and corruptors of this world," says Selfe.