30.08.14 – WEEKLY SUMMARY – CHAD’S HABRÉ REQUEST THROWN OUT, BENSOUDA TO SAY IF READY FOR KENYATTA TRIAL IN OCTOBER

Arusha, August 30, 2014 (FH) – In Dakar, the special court set up to try former Chadian president Hissène Habré rejected Ndjamena’s request to be a civil party. Meanwhile in The Hague, the International Criminal Court (ICC) asked the Prosecutor to say if she is ready to start the trial of Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta in October.

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SENEGAL /DRCDakar starts proceedings in Congo murder case: Senegalese judicial authorities on Tuesday launched investigative proceedings into the 2010 assassination of Congolese human rights activist Floribert Chebeya and his colleague Fidèle Bazana. Proceedings started with the hearing of civil parties. On Wednesday, the investigating magistrate heard one of the main suspects, former Congolese police officer Paul Mwilambwe, who is now living in Senegal.

SENEGAL/CHADFinal rejection of Chad’s request to be civil party: The Extraordinary African Chambers (EAC) on Wednesday confirmed their rejection of Chad’s request to be a civil party in the trial of former Chadian president Hissène Habré. The EAC were set up within the Senegalese justice system under an agreement between Senegal and the African Union to try those most responsible for crimes committed in Chad during Habré’s rule (1982 - 1990).

ICC/CÔTE D’IVOIREAbidjan asked to boost bid to try Simone Gbagbo: The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday invited Côte d’Ivoire to file additional material in support of its request to try former First Lady Simone Gbagbo in a national court. The ICC gave Abidjan until October 10 to file additional arguments.

ICC/KENYAICC Prosecutor to say if ready for Kenyatta trial: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has asked the ICC Prosecutor to confirm whether she is ready to start the trial of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on October 7 as scheduled. According to a Court order issued on Thursday, the prosecution must file its submissions by September 5. Kenyatta, who was elected president in March 2013, is charged with crimes against humanity committed in his country during post-election violence in 2007-2008.

NEXT WEEKICC: The international Criminal Court is scheduled to resume hearings in the crimes against humanity trial of Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang.

ER/JC