Malian fighter seeks forgiveness over destruction of World Heritage site

Ahmas al-Faqi al-Mahdi is seeking forgiveness after pleading guilty to charges of destruction of ancient cultural artefacts in Timbuktu.

The Malian fighter pleaded guilty on Monday at the ICC in The Hague where is facing charges of intentionally attacking nine mausoleums and the Sidi Yahi mosque within the city of Timbuktu in Mali.

A remorseful Mahdi claimed he had been swept up by an “evil wave” by al Qaeda which briefly seized control of the northern Malian city four years ago.

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“This is the first and last wrongful act I will ever commit,” Mahdi told the court in a measured and grave opening address.” Mahdi said.

Continuing, he added that; “I regret what I have caused to my family, my community in Timbuktu, what I have caused to my home nation Mali,” he added.

“I would like to seek the pardon of all the whole people of Timbuktu.”

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