02.05.11 - ICC/KATANGA - WITNESS SEEKS POLITICAL ASYLUM IN THE NETHERLANDS

The Hague, May 2, 2011 (FH) - Pierre Mbodina, a former Congolese intelligence officer known as Pichou, sought on Tuesday political asylum in the Netherlands.

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"I have sought political asylum. I don't need to escape justice, I just need to be tried by a European court", he explained at the end of his testimony in favor of Germain Katanga.

Germain Katanga, commander of the Force de résistance patriotique en Ituri (Patriotic Resistance Force in Ituri, FRPI) is accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes, notably for his alleged role in the attack of Bogoro on February 24, 2003 where over 200 people were killed.

The judges suggested that Pierre Mbodina sent his request directly to Dutch authorities through his lawyer.

 "Each of you has documents, letters proving that the Congolese government proceedings against me are contrary to rules", he said. "I've been waiting for justice to be done for almost seven years, but I still don't see anything coming", he added.

Pierre Mbodina has been jailed without trial at Makala prison in Kinshasa for six years.

Earlier, he had explained to the court that he was first arrested for his role in the assassination of Blue helmets from Bangladesh in 2005, then accused of attempting to the state security, and lately charged for crimes against humanity.

SM/GF

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