21 March : ICC to issue long-awaited verdict in trial against Jean-Pierre Bemba

On 21 March 2016, judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will deliver a verdict in the case of Jean- Pierre Bemba, charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Central African Republic (CAR) in 2002 and 2003. For the first time at the ICC, the judges will decide if the accused is criminally responsible as a military commander for crimes committed by troops under his control.

“The verdict in the Bemba trial is a historical moment for victims of heinous atrocities committed in the Central African Republic who have braved 14 years longing for justice," said our organisations. In total, 5,229 victims were granted the status of participating victims in the trial, the highest number of victims of any trial being conducted at the ICC.

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For further information, read the note on Bemba in front of the ICC : 15 years of FIDH action, from the field investigation to the Prosecutor's conclusion", March 2016.

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