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Situation: Central African Republic
Case: The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo
The confirmation of charges hearing in the case of The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo will start Monday 12 January 2009 at 9.30 and it will last until Thursday 15 January. Jean-Pierre Bemba is the first suspect before the Court for crimes allegedly committed in the Central African Republic (CAR), where the Prosecution is continuing its investigation.
The confirmation hearing, an innovation for criminal international procedures, does not prejudge the culpability the culpability of the suspect. It aims to protect his rights by ensuring that no case goes to trial unless there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that the person committed the crime with which he has been charged.
At the opening of the hearing on 12 January, the charges will be read out and the opening statements will be given by the prosecution and the legal representatives of victims followed by the defence. Over the following two days, the prosecution and the defence will make presentations of matters related to jurisdiction, admissibility and other procedural issues. Both parties will also present evidence on the alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes charges as well as on individual responsibility. Finally, on 15 January, the prosecution, defence and legal representatives of the victims will present their closing statements before the judges.
Following this hearing, Pre-Trial Chamber III will decide, within sixty days, whether or not to confirm the charges brought by the Prosecutor against Jean-Pierre Bemba and whether or not to commit him to trial.
Jean-Pierre Bemba, national of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aged about 45 years old, was arrested on 24 May 2008 by the Belgian authorities following the Court's warrant of arrest. He was surrendered and transferred to the International Criminal Court on 3 July, 2008.
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