Thursday 15 July 2010

Lubanga's Release Ordered by Trial Chamber

The release of Thomas Lubanga, who is the first person to be tried by the International Criminal Court, was ordered this afternoon by the Trial Chamber. The Chamber also gave the Prosecutor leave to appeal its decision staying proceedings, issued last week.
This is a bit of déjà vu all over again, to quote the late, great Yogi Berra. Two years ago, similar controversies arose between the Chamber and the Prosecutor. At that time, a solution was found, and the trial permitted to proceed.
The Chamber has suspended the effect of its decision to release Lubanga for five days, giving the Prosecutor enough time to file an appeal and to request the Appeals Chamber to suspended the decision to release the accused. I'm going to be in The Hague next week. If Lubanga's free for dinner on Wednesday, he can be my guest.
Thanks to Yvonne McDermott.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Any reaction about the decision of the Appeal Chamber?