Compelling testimony from former child soldiers was the main feature of the prosecution’s case against Thomas Lubanga. Evidence heard included stories of the brutal treatment of boys and girls at the hands of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) military groups. Various witnesses testified about continuous beating, rape, near starvation and other abuses suffered during…
Prosecutors have asked judges for leave to appeal a July decision that new charges could be brought against Thomas Lubanga. The addition of new charges at this stage in the trial, prosecutors argue in their August 12 filing, would “significantly affect the fairness of the proceedings” and allow the accused to be “tried and…
Congolese names have become an increasingly significant issue in the trial of Thomas Lubanga. During the prosecution’s case, the defense noted that names of witnesses differed among the various documents submitted to the court. Since this discrepancy could threaten witness credibility, lawyers for victims submitted an analysis on the history, process and legal context of…
The Lubanga trial project, a joint initiative of the Institute for War and Peace Reporting Netherlands and the Open Society Justice Initiative, went on the road last month – to the city of Bukavu in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province. DRC project coordinator Charles Mukandirwa and office assistant Backar Burubi met with lawyers, NGOs, journalists,…
The summer recess at the International Criminal Court ended on Monday, but the Thomas Lubanga trial will be on hiatus until October while the defense prepares its case. There will, however, be a hearing in the near future to deal with the possibility of adding new charges to the case. In May, victims’ lawyers requested…
Judges have ruled that three victims participating in the trial of Thomas Lubanga can testify about their experiences. The victims are not considered witnesses for either the prosecution or the defense, but are instead participants in the trial. A total of 99 victims are taking part in the proceedings, and seven lawyers represent them. On…
International Criminal Court judges have decided that Thomas Lubanga could be charged with sexual slavery and cruel and inhumane treatment. The request to include new charges came on May 22 from victims’ lawyers. It stemmed from the numerous witnesses who have testified about the rape and severe abuse of young recruits to Lubanga’s militia, the…
Thomas Lubanga on trial at the International Criminal Court. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo is the first person to be tried by the International Criminal Court. A former rebel leader in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lubanga is accused of conscripting, enlisting, and using child soldiers. More
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