ICJ hears arguments for preliminary measures in Congo case against France

Oral arguments were concluded today in a case brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by the Republic of the Congo, which is seeking to block France from putting the country's leaders, including President Denis Sassou Nguesso, on trial for crimes against humanity and torture.

After two days of public hearings, The Hague-based ICJ said it would deliver a decision in the coming weeks on Congo's request for an indication of a provisional measure, which "seek an order for the immediate suspension of the proceedings being conducted by the investigating judge of the Meaux tribunal de grande instance." France asked the Court to reject the request.

Last December, Congo filed a petition with the ICJ asking for an annulment of the investigation and prosecution measures taken by the French judicial authorities further to a complaint for crimes against humanity and torture filed by various associations against President Sassou Nguesso, the Minister of the Interior, Pierre Oba, and other individuals, including Gen. Norbert Dabira, Inspector-General of the Congolese Armed Forces.