OTP on Jean-Pierre Bemba surrender : this is a day for the victims

ICC-OTP-20080703-PR336

Situation: Central African Republic
Case: The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo

Jean-Pierre Bemba, charged by the International Criminal Court (ICC) with multiple counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder and rape, was transferred today by Belgian authorities to the Court’s detention centre in The Hague.  

Prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo welcomed the transfer of Mr. Bemba: “Justice is coming for the victims, for the victims of the Central African Republic, for the victims of massive sexual violence worldwide. We listened to them, and we transformed their painful stories into evidence. There will be no impunity.  Jean-Pierre Bemba was a Vice-President and is a Senator, but has no immunity before the International Criminal Court; he will face justice. “ 

”We cannot bring back those who were killed or died of aids after being violated, but I am hopeful that we will bring justice for the victims.” added Moreno-Ocampo.  

” We would like to thank the Belgian authorities for their efficient actions in respect of their statutory obligations” said Prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo. ‘The case of Jean-Pierre Bemba is a text book example of how co-operation should work: it is such co-operation, by all States Parties, which makes this Court, 10 years after the adoption of the Rome Statute, a reality.” 

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For more information, please contact:

OTP Media Liaison Nicola Fletcher (French)   
+31 (0) 650 890 473 (mobile)

OTP Public Information Co-ordinator Florence Olara   
florence.olara@icc-cpi.int
+31 (0) 70 515 8723 (office)                                      
+31 (0) 6 5029 4476 (mobile)

Source: Office of the Prosecutor