Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman makes first appearance before the ICC

On 15 June 2020, Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman appeared before Pre-Trial Chamber II's Single Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala of the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "Court"). The hearing was held in the presence of the Prosecutor and the Defence. Mr Abd–Al-Rahman was represented by his Duty Counsel Mr Cyril Laucci and appeared via video-link from the ICC Detention Centre.

The Single Judge verified the identity of the suspect, and ensured that he was clearly informed of the crimes he is alleged to have committed and of his rights under the Rome Statute of the ICC in a language he fully understands and speaks. The opening of the confirmation of charges hearing was scheduled provisionally for 7 December 2020.

The purpose of the confirmation of charges hearing is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that the person committed each of the crimes charged. If the charges are confirmed, totally or partly, the case will be transferred to a Trial Chamber, which will conduct the subsequent phase of the proceedings: the trial.

Image

ICC Single Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala during the initial appearance of Mr Abd–Al-Rahman on 15 June 2020 ©ICC-CPI

Background: Mr Abd–Al-Rahman was allegedly one of the most senior leaders in the tribal hierarchy in the Wadi Salih locality and member of the Popular Defence Forces (PDF) and allegedly commanded thousands of Janjaweed militia from on or about August 2003 until on or about March 2004. Mr Abd–Al-Rahman was transferred to the ICC's custody on 9 June 2020, after surrendering himself voluntarily in the Central African Republic. The first warrant of arrest delivered on 27 April 2007 and the second warrant published on 11 June 2020 against Mr Abd–Al-Rahman list 53 counts on the basis of his individual criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Darfur (Sudan).

On 15 June 2020, the case of Mr Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman was severed from the case of Mr Ahmad Muhammad Harun since Mr Harun has not yet been surrendered to the Court. This is done with a view to protecting Mr Abd-Al-Rahman's right to fair and expeditious proceedings and in the interest of judicial economy.

For further information on this case, click here.

Relevant documents:

• Questions and Answers on the initial appearance: English, Français, العربية
• Factsheet on the ICC Detention Centre

Photographs of the hearing

Audiovisual materials:

• YouTube (for viewing)
• Video (MPEG-4) for viewing and download
• Audio (MPEG-3) for download

For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: [email protected]

You can also follow the Court's activities on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube, Instagram and Flickr