Constitution of Trial Chamber III in the case of The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo
Situation: Central African Republic
Case: The Prosecutor v. Jean Pierre Bemba Gombo
On 18 September, 2009, the Presidency of the International Criminal Court issued a decision constituting Trial Chamber III. According to the decision, Trial Chamber III will be composed of Judge Elizabeth Odio Benito, Judge Joyce Aluoch and Judge Adrian Fulford. The case of The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo has been referred to the new Trial Chamber.
The full record of the proceedings, including the decision confirming the charges in this case, has been transferred to Trial Chamber III.
Background
Jean-Pierre Bemba was arrested on 24 May 2008, by the Belgian authorities, pursuant to a warrant of arrest delivered by the Pre-Trial Chamber, and was surrendered to the ICC on 3 July, 2008. He is accused of being criminally responsible, for having effectively acted as a military commander, for war crimes (murder, rape and pillaging) and crimes against humanity (murder and rape).
These crimes were allegedly committed during an armed conflict which took place in the Central African Republic from 26 October, 2002 to 15 March, 2003. In the context of this conflict, the MLC forces, led by Mr Bemba, allegedly directed a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population in particular, in Bangui, Boy-Rabé, Point Kilomètre 12 (PK 12), Point Kilomètre 22 (PK 22) and Mongoumba, that targeted a significant number of civilian victims.
For further information please contact Ms Sonia Robla, Head of Public Information and Documentation Section at +31 (0)70 515-8089 or (0)6 46 44 87 26 or at [email protected]