Gulu, Uganda: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has commenced a three-day confirmation of charges hearing against Joseph Kony, the elusive Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) leader who remains at large.
The proceedings, which began on Tuesday, September 09, aim to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit Kony to trial.
Kony faces 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, enslavement, and forced recruitment of child soldiers. His rebellion, spanning over two decades, left more than 100,000 people dead and displaced 1.5 million others.
Since Kony is not in ICC custody, his defense lawyers represent his interests, while victims’ representatives are also legally represented. The hearing includes oral submissions from the prosecution, defense, and victims’ counsel.
To ensure transparency and connect with affected communities, the ICC’s Outreach Office in Uganda announced community screenings of the hearings in northern Uganda, where Kony’s atrocities were most severe. One screening is planned at Gulu Secondary School in Gulu City.
Maria Mabinty Kamara, ICC Public Information and Outreach Coordinator in Uganda, stated, “The ICC will hold community screenings to ensure victims and affected communities can follow the proceedings.”
The hearing follows the ICC conviction of Dominic Ongwen, one of Kony’s top commanders, who is serving a 25-year sentence for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
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