02.12.11 - WEEKLY PREVIEW - GBAGBO TO APPEAR BEFORE ICC NEXT MONDAY

Arusha, December 2, 2011 (FH) - Former President of Côte d'Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo will be brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC) next Monday for initial appearance on charges of crimes against humanity whereas the prosecution will continue calling witnesses in the case of Jean-Pierre Bemba.

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ICC

Gbagbo before ICC next Monday: Former President of Côte d'Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo will be brought before ICC next Monday for initial appearance on charges of crimes against humanity including murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, persecution and other inhuman acts allegedly committed in his country between 16 December 2010 and 12 April 2011.   

The former President has been indicted for his responsibility as indirect co-author of the crimes perpetrated by the Ivorian Defence and Security Forces ("FDS"), reinforced by the pro-Gbagbo youth militia and mercenaries, in Abidjan.

The Pro-Gbagbo forces allegedly targeted civilians who they believed were supporters of the current Côte d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara, and the attacks were often directed at specific ethnic or religious communities.

It is also alleged that a plan existed between Gbagbo and his inner circle and that they were aware that implementing it would lead to the commission of the offences.

The pro-Gbagbo forces that put the policy into effect did so by almost automatic compliance with the orders they received.   

Bemba's case continues: The trial of Jean-Pierre Bemba will continue next Monday at the ICC with the prosecution calling more witnesses. Bemba, a Congolese senator and leader of Movement for Liberation of Congo (MLC), is charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in the Central African Republic between 2002 and 2003.

ICTR

ICTR President to present report before the UN: ICTR President Judge Khalida Rachid Khan will next Wednesday present before the United Nations Assembly her report on the progress and challenges facing the Tribunal in the implementation of the exit strategy.

The Tribunal was expected to conclude its first instance trials by December 31, 2011 but it is now evident that it is not possible despite tremendous acceleration efforts.

NI/GF

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