Horrific stories of murder, sexual slavery and beatings emerged in the courtroom this week as victim participants took the witness stand in the trial of Congolese militia leader, Thomas Lubanga, at the International Criminal Court. A schoolmaster told of his suffering allegedly at the hands of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) militia who hit…
Expansive and inclusive definitions of child soldiering crimes – and why girl soldiers deserve special attention – will likely be the focus of today’s testimony as the trial of Congolese militia leader, Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, starts up again at the International Criminal Court today after a six month long hiatus. Mr. Lubanga has pleaded not…
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…
During the trial of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, the first for the International Criminal Court, challenges to effective witness protection have become apparent. The court, and in particular presiding Judge Adrian Fulford, has been active in its approach to witness protection. However, short and long-term problems plague the witness protection program, and will demand diligence and…
The trial of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo began in late January and has heard testimony from nearly 20 witnesses to date. At the end of the trial, the Judges will be required to evaluate the credibility of the witnesses in order to consider the credibility of their testimony. Credibility is based in part on what the…
As the International Criminal Court (ICC) prepares to resume the trial of accused Congolese militia leader Thomas Lubanga in early May, witness protection has emerged as a key concern. This was immediately apparent when the prosecution’s first witness recanted his story and told the court that he had been coached on what to say by…
The case against accused Congolese militia leader Thomas Lubanga appears to be strong so far, say legal observers, despite attempts by the defense to undermine key testimonies. Because the testimony has been provided by traumatized former child soldiers and some of the recorded statements were given three years ago, the inconsistencies can be explained, experts…
In a dramatic first week of Lubanga’s trial, the Prosecution’s first witness said he lied about being abducted by Lubanga’s forces and taken to a training camp for child soldiers. He also told the court that he was coached by an aid group about what he should say on the witness stand. He’s about to…
Finally, it is here. After many months of delay, and the chance that Congolese militia leader Thomas Lubanga Dyilo would go free because of fair trial concerns, he is now in the dock and the International Criminal Court’s first ever trial is ready to start. So was it worth the wait? Some say no. Critics…
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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