Congo-Kinshasa: International Criminal Court Suspends Release of Rebel Leader

Posted to the web 8 July 2008 The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended the release of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, a Congolese rebel militia leader accused of recruiting child soldiers. Last week, the ICC's Trial Chamber ordered Mr. Lubanga's release after ruling that he could not receive a fair trial, with no judgment made regarding his guilt or innocence. Proceedings against him were suspended on 16 June, after the Trial Chamber found that prosecutors had failed to disclose more than 200 documents to the defence that have the potential to prove his innocence. According to the judges, the release was the "logical consequence" of the stay on the proceedings, "as it is at present impossible to secure a fair trial for the accused." Mr. Lubanga will remain under custody until the Court rules on the... [read full story]