DRC war crimes hearing delayed

THE HAGUE – The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) said a second appearance of Democratic Republic of Congo war crimes suspect Thomas Lubanga had been delayed because of concerns over protection of victims and witnesses.

Initially the so-called confirmation hearing where the contents of the charge sheet would be discussed by the two parties was set for June 27. “The confirmation hearing of Thomas Lubanga is tentatively scheduled for 28 September 2006.The office of the prosecutor requested a delay due to the need to put in place stronger protection for victims and witnesses,” prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo told a press briefing.Lubanga, 45, head of an armed militia that rampaged through the north-east DRC, was brought before The Hague-based court on March 20, when he was provisionally charged with having recruited and conscripted children as soldiers, forcing them into active combat.- Nampa-AFP”The confirmation hearing of Thomas Lubanga is tentatively scheduled for 28 September 2006.The office of the prosecutor requested a delay due to the need to put in place stronger protection for victims and witnesses,” prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo told a press briefing.Lubanga, 45, head of an armed militia that rampaged through the north-east DRC, was brought before The Hague-based court on March 20, when he was provisionally charged with having recruited and conscripted children as soldiers, forcing them into active combat. – Nampa-AFP