The confirmation hearing of charges facing Dominic Ongwen, Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebel group’s former commander, at the International Criminal Court (ICC) could be held in Uganda.
ICC Outreach Coordinator Maria Kamara said the proposal was made by Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and Ongwen’s lawyer Krispus Ayena Odongo.
She said both parties agreed that “the most appropriate location” for the confirmation of charges would be Gulu in Uganda, given its proximity to the victims of the Lukodi massacre, in which Ongwen is said to have actively participated.
But even with the latest developments, Kamara said the proposal is subject to various factors, including security, cost and impact of bringing the court closer to aggrieved persons. ICC Trial Chamber had on June 29 directed the Prosecution and the defence to give their views on bid to hold the confirmation hearing in Uganda by July 13.
The Chamber also ordered the ICC Registrar to assess the possibility of the same report the findings by July 27. Ongwen’s defence argues that holding the proceedings in Uganda will increase the court’s visibility. “Survivors of the Lukodi massacre have been pushing for the trial to be brought closer to them,” said Kamara.
Ongwen is facing counts of crimes against humanity, inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering and war crimes. He is reportedly a child soldier who rose through the ranks of the Joseph Kony-led LRA, which has killed more than 100,000 people in Uganda. The insurgency is notorious for cutting off the lips, noses and ears of civilians.
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