World Court rejects petition to block France from putting leaders of Congo on trial

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) today rejected a request of the Republic of Congo seeking the annulment of the investigation and prosecution measures taken by judicial authorities in France following a complaint for crimes against humanity and torture allegedly committed in the African country.

The case was filed in France by various human rights groups against Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso and other senior officials.

In its decision, the Court said it saw no urgent need for the measures sought by the Congo, and added that its decision in no way prejudges the question of its jurisdiction to deal with the merits of the dispute.