Mr Germain Katanga appointed Mr David Hooper as his principal counsel

Situation: Democratic Republic of Congo
Case: The Prosecutor vs. Germain Katanga

Mr Germain Katanga appointed Mr David Hooper, a British barrister, as principal counsel representing him in proceedings before the International Criminal Court since 23rd November 2007.

In order to ensure that the rights of the defence are fully respected in the interests of a fair trial, the Registrar has created and maintains a list of counsels who meet the criteria set forth in the Regulations of the Court. The person is entitled to freely choose his or her counsel from this list or other counsel who meets the required criteria and is willing to be included in the list. 

On 23 November, the Registrar decided that Mr Germain Katanga is considered to be provisionally fully indigent, pending the ongoing investigation concerning his indigence. Therefore, the costs of Katanga’s defence will be provisionally supported by the Court, in accordance with the system of legal assistance paid by the Court.