ICC delays start of Ntanganda’s trial

Rwandan-born Congolese warlord Bosco Ntaganda is seen during his first appearance before judges of the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands in 2013. Picture: PETER DE JONG

Rwandan-born Congolese warlord Bosco Ntaganda is seen during his first appearance before judges of the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands in 2013. Picture: PETER DE JONG

Published Apr 22, 2015

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The Hague, Netherlands - International Criminal Court judges have postponed the trial of a former Congolese militia leader as the court considers whether opening statements in the case can be made in Congo.

Bosco Ntaganda is charged with crimes including murder, rape, sexual slavery and using child soldiers in the eastern Congolese province of Ituri from 2002-2003.

His trial had been scheduled to start June 2, but judges on Wednesday pushed back the date until the second or third week of July.

Defence lawyers had sought a delay until November, while court officials said a month’s delay would likely be necessary if the trial is to start in Congo.

Ntaganda was indicted in 2006, but was only sent to the court in 2013 after he fled to neighbouring Rwanda.

AP

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