ICC
Investigation on post-electoral violence in Côte d'Ivoire : On Monday judges at the ICC authorized Prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo to investigate the alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Côte d'Ivoire since the second round of presidential elections in November 2010. The prosecutor has committed himself to reveal crimes perpetrated by both sides including that of former President, Laurent Gbagbo who refused to accept the results and that of the victor, the seating President, Alassane Ouattara. Over 3,000 people were allegedly killed during the violence.
Confirmation of charges hearing for Kenyan officials ends: On Wednesday the ICC concluded confirmation of charges hearing for Kenya's Deputy Prime Minister, Uhuru Kenyatta, Head of Civil Service, Francis Muthaura and former Police Chief, General Mohamed Hussein Ali. Gershom Otachi, Defence counsel for the last suspect, General Ali, Monday told the court that it was ‘'a complete absurdity'' to accuse police force of plotting with Mungiki's criminal gang allegedly involved in the violence after Kenya's elections in 2007.
Katanga on defence of alibi: And on Tuesday this week, former Congolese militia leader, Germain Katanga denied before the ICC that he was in Bogoro village (Ituri, in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) the day he was allegedly led an attack. He is charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes for his role in the attack on February 24, 2003 when over 200 people were killed.
ICTR
Prosecutor's request to transfer Munyagishari's case to Rwanda: The ICTR Prosecutor, Hassan Bubacar Jallow, Monday filed an application to transfer the case of genocide-accused and allegedly leader of Interahamwe militia, Bernard Munyagishari to Rwanda for trial. Munyagishari is charged with conspiracy to commit genocide, genocide or in the alternative, complicity in genocide, murder and rape as crimes against humanity.
Ngirabatware defence case continues: The defence case of former Rwandan Planning Minister, Augustin Ngirabatware continued this week, mostly in closed session. The 24th defence witness who did not finish her testimony continues with her testimony Monday.
Kabuga's special deposition hearing continues: Special deposition proceedings in the case involving the most wanted genocide fugitive, Felicien Kabuga, normally held behind closed bars totally before ICTR continued this week.
NI/FK/GF
© Hirondelle News Agency