July 2020 - International Criminal Court Updates
By: Shraddha Dubey, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL
In the past month, the International Criminal Court (ICC or Court) saw two judicial developments. First, was the opening of the trial of the Al Hassan case and second, was the scheduling of the trial of the Yekatom and Ngaïssona case. With respect to its internal functioning, the Court has modified its measures adopted to contain the COVID-19 spread and has slowly resumed court hearings. The Court has also launched the #resilience campaign to commemorate Day of International Criminal Justice.
AFRICA
Central African Republic | Yekatom and Ngaïssona case trial to open on February 9, 2021
On July 16, 2020, Trial Chamber V of the ICC scheduled the opening of the trial in the case of The Prosecutor v. Alfred Yekatom and Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona for February 9, 2021 after considering the submissions by the parties and participants, the rights of the accused, the necessary time for the disclosure of evidence, and the protection of victims and witnesses, as well as the special circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial concerns charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes against Alfred Yekatom and Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona.. [July 16th, 2020]
Mali | Al Hassan trial opens at the ICC
On July 14, 2020, the trial of The Prosecutor v. Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud opened at the ICC before its Trial Chamber X. The crimes under consideration are crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed in Timbuktu (Mali). After the reading of the charges, Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and Senior Trial Lawyer Gilles Dutertre took the floor for opening statements. The hearings continued until July 15th, with the end of the Prosecution’s opening statement. The trial will resume on August 25, 2020. [July 14th, 2020]
ICC OPERATIONS
Election of Prosecutor | Public Hearing of shortlisted candidates held on July 29 and 30, 2020
On July 29 and 30 there was a public hearing for the four candidates the Committee on the Election of the Prosecutor shortlisted for appointment as the next Prosecutor of the ICC. Vice-Presidents of the Assembly of State Parties and Civil Society Organisations moderated the two sessions. The sessions consisted of opening remarks by the President of the Assembly, a presentation by each candidate along with questions from State Parties and Civil Society. The hearings were available to view online on the website of the Court. [July 29th, 2020]
Day of International Criminal Justice | ICC marks Day of International Criminal Justice by launching #resilience campaign
On 17 July, the ICC marked the Day of International Criminal Justice. This year, the commemorations focus on the theme of resilience in crisis and conflict. The Court noted that despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ICC's country offices around the world have continued their work, maintaining a vital presence in communities affected by crimes. The staff of ICC's country offices celebrated the day with activities and events with communities, whether by radio, webinars, or, where possible, in person. Starting July 17, the ICC will share stories and messages through its #resilience campaign page and on social media.
COVID-19 | Measures adopted to ensure continuity of business
To participate in containing the COVID-19 spread and in accordance with the measures adopted by the Host State, the ICC has adopted measures to ensure business continuity and fulfilment of its mandate, while protecting the personnel and their families. The Court has now resumed judicial hearings. Access to the Court headquarters for public hearings can only be made by appointment. [July 3rd, 2020]