ICC prosecutor submits additional evidence on Darfur rebel case

January 20, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Luis Moreno-Ocampo submitted additional information to the judges on his application requesting the issuance of an arrest warrant for three unidentified Darfur rebel commanders.

The ICC’s third case on Darfur submitted on November 20th investigates a rebel attack on the Haskanita military base last year that left 10 African Union (AU) soldiers dead and one missing.

The judges of the Pre-Trial Chamber I which handles the Darfur situation asked the ICC prosecutor last month for “additional information and supporting materials” on the case by January 26.

The prosecutor attached a confidential annex that is comprised of three parts with responses to specific questions they raised in their request.

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.

It remains unclear when a decision will be forthcoming. Most observers expect one by end of January or early February.

A decision on Al-Bashir’s 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)