06.07.12 - WEEKLY SUMMARY - MECHANISM FOR INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNALS OPENS, LIBYA FREES ICC EMPLOYEES

Arusha, July 6, 2012 (FH) – Libya released four employees of the International Criminal Court (ICC), who were detained since June 7, 2012. In Arusha, the President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Judge Theodor Meron, promised to track down top genocide fugitives.

 

ICTR

Successor of ICTR launched: The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Judge Theodor Meron Monday promised to track down the three top genocide-fugitives. He was speaking at the official launch of the Mechanism, Arusha branch, which assumes residual duties of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Prosecutor Hassan Bubacar Jallow said his office was ready to start tackling the Mechanism’s immediate challenge of bringing to justice the fugitives, Félicien Kabuga, who allegedly financed the genocide, ex-commander of presidential guard Protais Mpiranya and former Rwandan Defence Minister Augustin Bizimana.

Bagosora transferred to Mali: The Tribunal Wednesday announced transfer to Mali of Théoneste Bagosora and three others to serve their sentences. Seven other convicts were moved to Benin for similar purposes. Bagosora, former Cabinet Director at the Rwandan Defence Ministry, was first jailed to life for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, before reduction of his sentence to 35 years on appeal.

RWANDA

French delegation in Kigali for investigation: A French delegation specialized in crimes against humanity including genocide, Wednesday started a visit to Kigali, to meet Rwanda General Prosecutor and heads of the genocide fugitive tracking unit, as part of an ongoing judicial inquiry. There are about 20 cases of Rwandans suspected of participating in the genocide, currently under investigation in France, but no trial has started yet.

ICC

Libya releases court staff: Libyan authorities Monday released the four court staff members who were detained in Zintan, following their visit to Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi on June 7. President, Judge Sang-Hyun Song, welcomed the Libyan decision, saying it enabled them to reunite with their families.

NEXT WEEK

Lubanga to received sentence: On Tuesday, the International Criminal Court is expected to deliver the sentence in the case of Congolese former militia leader, Thomas Lubanga, who has been convicted of war crimes for using child soldiers to fight in Ituri (Eastern DRC) from September 1, 2002 to August 13, 2003.

FK/GF

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