02.09.11 - WEEKLY PREVIEW - FIVE CASES FOR NEXT WEEK AT ICC AND ICTR

Arusha, September 2, 2011 (FH) - Three cases, including that of three Kenyans, continue before the International Criminal Court (ICC) next week and there would be resumption of two others at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) , notably special deposition in the case of most wanted genocide-fugitive Felicien Kabuga.

1 min 45Approximate reading time

ICC

Continuation of confirmation of charges in Kenyan situation: The ICC will continue on Monday (September 5) with the hearing of confirmation of charges in the case involving three Kenyans, including two senior politicians, linked to post-electoral violence in 2007 and 2008. The hearing in the matter involving former Higher Education Minister William Ruto, ex-Minister for Industrialization Henry Kosgey and journalist Joshua arap Sang, is expected to continue until September 12. The trio is suspected of crimes against humanity for murders, persecution and forcible displacement of population.

Witnesses continue testifying for former Congolese militia leader: Presentation of defence case for former rebel leader of the National Integrationist Front, Mathieu Ngudjolo, continues the same Monday whereas the defendant is expected to go on calling his witnesses. The hearing will proceed until September 9.  Ngudjolo is charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes, notably for his alleged role - alongside Germain Katanga - in attack of Bogoro (Ituri, Eastern DRC) on February 24, 2003 where over 200 people were killed.

Continuation of Bemba's trial: On September 5, the prosecution is expected to continue presenting its case against Jean-Pierre Bemba, a Congolese senator and leader of the Movement for the Liberation of Congo. Presentation of witnesses proceeds until September 7, to support charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes Bemba is facing for command responsibility in crimes committed by his troops in Central African Republic between 2002 and 2003.

  ICTR

Resumption of Kabuga's special deposition: On Tuesday (September 6) there would be resumption of special deposition proceedings in the case of Felicien Kabuga, the most wanted genocide-fugitive wanted by ICTR. The proceedings are being held in camera by Judge Vagn Joensen, the vice-president of the Tribunal. The special deposition proceedings commenced on May 23, 2011 and the prosecution has so far called 21 out of at least 44 expected to testify. This is not a trial per say, but proceedings are being conducted to preserve evidence for future trial in case the alleged financier of the genocide is arrested.

Trial of Captain Nizeyimana resumes: There would be resumption of trial of former Rwandan military officer, Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana, on September 6, and a Trial Chamber is expected to hear additional evidence from a defence witness BNN07. The defence case was officially declared closed on June 16, 2011. Thereafter, the Chamber will hear extra evidence from three prosecution witnesses to challenge defence of alibi of the accused over his presence in Butare between April and May, 1994. Nizeyimana is charged with genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

SM/FK/NI/GF

© Hirondelle News Agency