Palestinian authority present case file for ICC Prosecution’s preliminary examination: Palestinian Authority (PA) Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki and Palestinian official Mustafa Barghouti visited the ICC to present a case file of evidence to the ICC. The file does not constitute an official complaint against Israel, but is intended to aid ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda in deciding whether or not to upgrade the preliminary probe into a full investigation. PA Foreign Minister Maliki said the file included details on Israel’s settlements and military action, particularly in the conflict between Israel and Palestine in Gaza during the summer of 2014. Israeli Foreign Minister Spokesperson Emmanuel Nahshon said, “This step is nothing more than provocation and manipulation of the court in the Hague.” The Palestinian ambassador in Holland said the documents presented on Thursday represented just the beginning of a process that will take anywhere from 5-10 years. The PA joined the ICC on April 1, after signing the Rome Statute last December. For more information on this issue please click here. (y net news, The Times of Israel)
Witness interference alleged by ICC Prosecution in Ruto / Sang trial status conference: On Thursday, 25 June 2015 the ICC Trial Chamber held a status conference in the case against William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang. The case is currently on hold while issues over witnesses are resolved after the Prosecution presented its evidence. During the status conference the Prosecution set out allegations about witness interference. Specifically the Prosecution said that it had recorded conversations of intermediaries interfering with witnesses on behalf of Ruto. Senior Trial Attorney Anton Steynberg told the court that “because of bribery and intimidation” six witnesses recanted their evidence or refused to testify at the trial stage. The Prosecution said that it had evidence to back its claims. In the oral submissions during the status conference, Ruto and Sang’s lawyers challenged the Prosecution’s allegations that the accused interfered with witnesses. (allAfrica)
Sri Lanka war crimes probe delayed; soldier sentenced to death for war murders: On Wednesday 24 June 2015 Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said proposed war crimes investigation were delayed until September because of the impending parliamentary elections. The United Nations has been investigating possible war crimes for more than a year, and delayed a report scheduled for March until September in order to give Sri Lanka’s new government time to start its own probe. Foreign Minister Samaraweera told journalists that the government was firm in its resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The next day, a Sri Lankan army officer was sentenced to death for killing eight civilians during the 26 year civil war. Prosecutor and Additional Solicitor General Sarath Jayamanna told Reuters “This also shows that we definitely have the capacity to conduct a credible investigation.” Military spokesman Jayanath Jayaweera told journalists Thursday’s verdict showed local legal mechanisms were working well. For more information on these issues please click here and click here. (Yahoo, Gulf Times, Reuters)
ICC judges to review Lubanga sentence for reduction: On 16 July 2015 the ICC will conduct a review to determine whether to reduce Thomas Lubanga’s 14 year sentence for using child soldiers in the armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during 2002 and 2003. Prior to the hearing the defense, prosecution and legal representatives of the victims will file written submissions on the review. The submissions are expected to address Mr. Lubanga’s cooperation with the court in investigation, proceedings, and enforcement of judgements. Other subjects include Mr. Lubanga’s conduct while in detention, resocialization, potentially destabilizing effects of early release, as well as any action taken by Mr. Lubana for the benefit of victims. (allAfrica)
Switzerland decides to extradite Oric to Bosnia: Both Serbia and Bosnia requested the extradition of Naser Oric after his arrest on 10 June by Swiss police on an arrest warrant issued by Serbia. On Thursday, 25 June the Swiss justice office said “In simplified proceedings, the Federal Office of Justice today approved the extradition of Oric to Bosnia and Herzegovina.” The Swiss justice office said “The decisive points here are the same criminal acts on which both requests are based were committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that Oric is a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina.” For more information on this issue please click here. (dw, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty)
