New York - The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday welcomed an international warrant issued for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir over his alleged role in masterminding atrocities in Sudan's Darfur region.

The decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to charge al-Bashir with seven counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes "signals that even those at the top may be held accountable for mass murder, rape and torture," the rights group said

"Not even presidents are guaranteed a free pass for horrific crimes," HRW International Justice Program director Richard Dicker was quoted as saying in a statement. (dpa)