(FILES) This file image grab photo taken on July 01, 2012 shows Islamist militants destroying an ancient shrine in Timbuktu. An unprecedented case opens on August 22, 2016 at the International Criminal Court when an alleged Malian jihadist is set to plead guilty to the war crime of destroying the UNESCO world heritage site of Timbuktu. And experts hope the trial and sentencing of Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi for the 2012 attacks on Timbuktu will send a message that such cultural destruction will not go unpunished. / AFP PHOTO / -