Ongwen case: Opening of the Confirmation of charges hearing, 21 January 2016

The Confirmation of Charges hearing in the Domenic Ongwen case started on Thursday, 21 January 2016, at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The hearing is scheduled to last for 5 days – from Thursday 21 to Wednesday 27 January 2016.

The proceedings are being held before Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is composed of Judge Cuno Tarfusser, presiding judge, Judge Marc Perrin de Brichambaut and Chang-ho Chung.

The confirmation of charges hearing is a public hearing during which the ICC judges will decide whether or not there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Domenic Ongwen might have committed the crimes that the Prosecutor has presented before the judges. The purpose of the hearing is to ensure the fairness of the process by protecting the suspects from facing charges and going to trial without substantial grounds and evidence.

Dominic Ongwen, alleged Brigade Commander of the Sinia Brigade of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during attacks against the civilian population in Lukodi, Pajule, Odek and Abok IDP camps between October 2003 and June 2004; murder and attempted murder; torture; cruel treatment and other inhumane acts; enslavement; outrages upon personal dignity; pillaging and destruction of property. Further, the Prosecution alleges that from at least 1 July 2002 until 31 December 2005, Domenic Ongwen, Joseph Kony and the other Sinia Brigade commanders were part of a common plan to abduct women and girls in northern Uganda that were then used as forced wives and sex slaves, tortured, raped and made to serve as domestic help; and to conscript and use children under the age of 15 to participate actively in hostilities.

Видео Ongwen case: Opening of the Confirmation of charges hearing, 21 January 2016 канала IntlCriminalCourt