International Criminal Court: Statement by the Prosecutor and Scheduling of the First Hearing

21-03-2022

Grace ATALUI MOKANGO

International Justice and Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

In a statement on Friday 18 March 2022, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court welcomed the arrest and transfer of the fourth suspect in the situation in the Central African Republic to face international justice. He took the opportunity to thank the Chadian authorities who made the process possible and the Central African authorities for their continued assistance to the Court. He also expressed his admiration for the witnesses from the Central African Republic. Their courage and strength have played and continue to play a crucial role in searching for truth and justice.

The initial appearance of Mr. Maxime Jeoffroy Eli Mokom Gawaka before Pre-Trial Chamber II is scheduled for Tuesday 22 March 2022 at 2.30 p.m. and the Chamber is composed of Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala, Judge Antoine Kesia-Mbe Mindua, and Judge Tomoko Akane.

In its media advisory of 16 March 2022, the Court indicated that during the initial appearance hearing, the judges will verify the identity of the suspect and the language in which he can follow the proceedings. He will be informed of the charges against him and his rights under the  Rome Statute.

Sources and further reading

International Criminal Court, Statement of ICC Prosecutor, Karim A.A. Khan QC, following the arrest and transfer of a fourth suspect in the Situation of the Central African Republic, ( 18 March 2022), from: https://www.icc-cpi.int/Pages/item.aspx?name=20220318-prosecutor-statement-mokom

International Criminal Court, Initial appearance of Maxime Jeoffroy Eli Mokom Gawaka scheduled for 22 March 2022: Practical information, Media Advisory, ( 16 March 2022), from: https://www.icc-cpi.int/Pages/item.aspx?name=ma272