On the night of 1998, General Augusto Pinochet, a former Chilean dictator was arrested. He was under arrest for crimes against humanity based on an international warrant. Furthermore, other specific allegations included the murder, torture, hostage-taking and genocide of Chileans and other nationals. This moment was a very big symbol for the rest of the world as it set two important precedents. It created the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allowed states or international organisations to prosecute individuals no matter where the crimes were committed nor the nationality of the perpetrators and victims. The other, was that it withdrew the immunity of heads of state or ex heads of state for human rights violations.
Ever since this moment, no matter where the government is located they are held accountable for any violation of human rights. Furthermore, no dictator would be allowed to use the immunity of being a heads of state and ex heads of state. With this arrest, many activists, lawyers, victims, and NGOs to establish transnational networks to pursue human rights accountability. Many individuals and governments who have committed crimes against humanity have been tried at court ever since then.
In my opinion, this was a good start for holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions. As all human rights should be prioritized. Even so, what about big powers like Russia and China? Are they still invincible to being tried for crimes against humanity?
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