ICC judges query prosecutor on Darfur rebel case
December 9, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — The Judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have asked the prosecutor today for additional information on his application requesting the issuance of an arrest warrant for three Darfur rebel commanders.
The judges of the Pre-Trial Chamber I which handles the Darfur situation asked the ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo for “additional information and supporting materials” on the case by January 26.
The judges attached a confidential annex to their request which contained items for which the prosecutor is required to furnish extra documentation.
The same chamber is still reviewing another case submitted in mid-July against Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir accused by the ICC prosecutor of masterminding a campaign to get rid of the African tribes in Darfur; Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa.
Today’s decision heightens likelihood that the Judges are close to reaching a decision on Al-Bashir’s case which they started looking into last October.
On September 30th the Pre-Trial Chamber I issued a ruling on confirmation of charges against Germain Katanga and Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui, two Congolese rebel leaders held by the court.
The next day the judges met with the prosecutor in a closed session for over 3 hours in a closed session for oral discussions on his case against Sudanese president.
But a decision on Al-Bashir may remain confidential upon request of prosecutor until he files a motion to make it public.
Sudan has not ratified the Rome Statute, but the UN Security Council (UNSC) triggered the provisions under the Statute that enables it to refer situations in non-State parties to the world court if it deems that it is a threat to international peace and security.
(ST)