Former Congolese leader facing trial should remain in ICC custody – Prosecutor

Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo should remain in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) until the start of his trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity, the Court’s Prosecutor stated as he appealed the decision to the former Congolese leader a temporary release.

On 14 August, the Court decided to grant Mr. Bemba’s the request for interim release, albeit under conditions. The former vice-president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces charges for alleged crimes committed in the Central African Republic (CAR) between October 2002 and March 2003, including rape, murder and pillaging.

Mr. Bemba will be released once the conditions have been set, and it has been determined which country will take him in until his trial, a date for which has not yet been set.

Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo stated in his filing to the Appeals Chamber that Mr. Bemba is a flight risk and may harm witnesses involved in his trial, according to a news release issued by the ICC, which is based in The Hague.

Mr. Moreno-Ocampo also requested suspensive effect to the appeal, so that there is no possibility of Mr. Bemba’s release while it is under consideration by the Appeals Chamber.

“Mr. Bemba is still presumed innocent but must stay in the detention centre. We will do all we can to ensure he stands trial as soon as possible and that victims see justice done,” said the Prosecutor.

The ICC is an independent, permanent court that investigates and prosecutes persons accused of the most serious crimes, namely genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.