Congo ex-leader appears in court

The former Congolese Vice-President, Jean-Pierre Bemba, has appeared at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for the first time. Mr Bemba, who fled the Democratic Republic of Congo last year, was arrested in Belgium in May. He is accused of atrocities allegedly committed by his forces during a coup attempt six years ago in the Central African Republic. The former rebel leader has always denied the charges against him. Correspondents say Mr Bemba appeared at the initial hearing dressed in a dark suit, and waved to his wife in the public gallery as guards led him into the courtroom. He confirmed that he was born in 1962 and gave his profession as "senator". He also complained about his conditions. "The conditions aren't the best, not what I had hoped for," he said. Coup attempt Mr Bemba went into exile after... [read full story]