Current:Home > NewsICC drops war crimes charges against former Central African Republic government minister-VaTradeCoin
ICC drops war crimes charges against former Central African Republic government minister
how to trade on lotradecoin View Date:2024-12-25 23:26:04
THE HAGUE, Nethlerlands (AP) — The International Criminal Court announced Thursday it was dropping some 20 charges including murder, extermination, deportation, torture, and persecution against a former government minister from the Central African Republic, citing a lack of evidence and available witnesses.
Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor at the court based in The Hague in the Netherlands, issued a statement saying he was withdrawing all charges against Maxime Jeoffroy Eli Mokom Gawaka because there were “no longer any reasonable prospects of conviction at trial.”
Mokom, 44, was accused of coordinating operations of the anti-Balaka, a mainly Christian group that fought against the predominantly Muslim Seleka rebel group. The fighting left thousands dead and displaced hundreds of thousands in 2013 and 2014.
During a pretrial hearing in August, Mokom’s defense team told judges that prosecutors had already uncovered evidence that could exonerate Mokom, even before his arrest in neighboring Chad in 2022.
Mokom and his attorneys were unaware the prosecutor was considering dropping the charges. “This took us completely by surprise,” lawyer Philippe Larochelle told the Associated Press.
Khan said he was aware that survivors and their families would likely be disappointed by the news. “I hope many will understand my legal and ethical responsibilities to be guided by the law and the evidence,” he said in his statement.
Mokom is the fourth suspect from the long-running conflict in the mineral-rich but impoverished nation to appear before judges at the global court.
Violence has plagued the Central African Republic since 2013, when Seleka rebels forced then-President Francois Bozize from office. Militias known as anti-Balaka later fought back, also targeting civilians and sending most of the Muslim residents of the capital, Bangui, fleeing in fear.
It is the third time an ICC prosecutor has dropped a case in the court’s 25-year history. Ten years ago, an investigation into post-election violence in Kenya fell apart amid allegations of witness interference. Khan’s predecessor, Fatou Bensouda, withdrew charges against the country’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2015 and another top official in 2013 after accusing Kenya of obstructing the investigation.
In 2022, Bensouda charged Paul Gicheru, a lawyer for another Kenya official involved in the case, with witness tampering. Gicheru died under suspicious circumstances later that year.
Mokom has now spent 19 months at the court’s detention facility in Scheveningen and it is unclear when he will be released. His defense team is considering whether to bring a request for compensation against the court.
veryGood! (67)
Related
- Taylor Swift makes history as most decorated artist at Billboard Music Awards
- US Rep. Ilhan Omar, a member of the progressive ‘Squad,’ faces repeat primary challenge in Minnesota
- I’m an Expert SKIMS Shopper and I Predict These Styles Will Sell out This Month
- Sister Wives Season 19 Trailer: Why Kody Brown’s Remaining Wife Robyn Feels Like an “Idiot”
- This house from 'Home Alone' is for sale. No, not that one.
- New York’s Green Amendment Would Be ‘Toothless’ if a Lawsuit Is Tossed Against the Seneca Meadows Landfill for Allegedly Emitting Noxious Odors
- Powerball winning numbers for August 12 drawing: Lucky player wins in Pennsylvania
- Katie Holmes Makes Rare Comments on Bond With 18-Year-Old Daughter Suri
- Hate crime charges dropped against 12 college students arrested in Maryland assault
- Montana State University President Waded Cruzado announces retirement
Ranking
- When does 'No Good Deed' come out? How to watch Ray Romano, Lisa Kudrow's new dark comedy
- Officer faces murder charge in shooting of pregnant Black woman who was accused of shoplifting
- Dentist charged with invasion of privacy after camera found in employee bathroom, police say
- LA won't try to 'out-Paris Paris' in 2028 Olympics. Organizers want to stay true to city
- 'Maria' review: Angelina Jolie sings but Maria Callas biopic doesn't soar
- KFC expands $5 value menu to include nuggets, drums and more: See what's on the menu
- Hoda Kotb Shares Outlook on Her Dating Life Moving Forward
- Meet Grant Ellis: Get to Know the New Bachelor From Jenn Tran’s Season
Recommendation
-
KISS OF LIFE reflects on sold
-
Woman attacked after pleading guilty to helping man after he killed his three children
-
LL Flooring files bankruptcy, will close 94 stores. Here's where they are.
-
Ferguson police to release body camera footage of protest where officer was badly hurt
-
American who says he crossed into Syria on foot is freed after 7 months in detention
-
With over 577,000 signatures verified, Arizona will put abortion rights on the ballot
-
The Daily Money: Been caught stealing?
-
Hoda Kotb tearfully reflects on motherhood during 60th birthday bash on 'Today' show