Former Congolese warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba appears at war crimes court

Former Congolese warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba appears at war crimes court Mike Corder, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS THE HAGUE, Netherlands - Former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba appeared Friday for the first time at the International Criminal Court, where he faces rape and torture charges linked to a brutal conflict in Central African Republic. Bemba, 45, is accused of six counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity as head of a militia that allegedly committed atrocities in the 2002-2003 conflict. He was not required to enter a plea at Friday's brief hearing. Bemba waved to his wife in the court's public gallery as two guards brought him into the courtroom. He spoke only to confirm his name, birth date and occupation and to comment on conditions at the cell block he has occupied since Thursday, when he was extradited... [read full story]