ICC refers Libya to UN: The ICC said Wednesday it has issued a finding of non-compliance by the Libyan government over Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi and is referring the matter to the UN Security Council. The Court said Libya has failed to comply with two of its requests, firstly to hand Gaddafi over and secondly to “return to the Defence of Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi the originals of the documents that were seized by the Libyan authorities from the former Defence counsel for Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi in June 2012 in Zintan, and to destroy any copies thereof”. It stressed both these obligations were of paramount importance “for the exercise by the Court of its functions and powers under the Rome Statute”.
Court rejects Ivorian request to try Simone Gbagbo: The ICC on Thursday rejected a request from Côte d’Ivoire to try Simone Gbagbo, wife of former president Laurent Gbagbo, and reminded Abidjan of its obligation to transfer her to the Court without delay. Requests to have ICC cases declared inadmissible can be granted if the case is under investigation or prosecution by a State deemed willing and able to complete the judicial process.
Blé Goudé sent to trial: An ICC pretrial chamber on Thursday confirmed crimes against humanity charges against former Ivorian Youth Minister Charles Blé Goudé and committed him to trial. In light of the evidence and observations presented by the parties and participants to the proceedings, the court concluded that there was enough evidence “to establish substantial grounds to believe” that Blé Goudé is individually criminally responsible for the crimes against humanity of murder, rape, other inhumane acts or – in the alternative – attempted murder, and persecution committed in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, in violence that followed elections at the end of 2010. He may appeal the decision.
ER/JC