Ex-warlord accused of Congo atrocities

Published Date: 05 July 2008 FORMER Congolese vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba has appeared at the International Criminal Court facing charges of rape and torture 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 2002-3 conflict. He did not have to enter a plea at yesterday's hearing. Bemba waved to his wife in th e public gallery as guards brought him into court. He spoke only to confirm his name, birth date and occupation and to say conditions at the cell block he has occupied since Thursday, when he was extradited from Belgium, are "not the best". Bemba was made a vice president in Congo's transitional government, which paved the way for 2006 elections, at which he was elected... [read full story]