Ntaganda trial set for September 23

Congolese war crimes suspect Bosco Ntaganda, yesterday, made his pre-trial appearance at the International Criminal Court following his transfer from the US embassy in Kigali to The Hague-based tribunal last week.He pleaded not guilty to the war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against him. He is alleged to have committed the crimes when he was a rebel leader in DRC.But during the hearing, Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova clarified that the hearing was not a trial, saying “It is not a confirmation hearing. Thus no evidence will be presented nor will the issue of guilt or innocence be addressed let alone a decision to be taken.”The Pre-Trial Chamber II of the ICC set September 23 as the beginning of the confirmation of charges against Ntaganda.During the initial appearance, Ntaganda was informed of the charges brought against him and of his rights under the Rome Statute of the ICC by the presiding judge, Trendafilova.

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Ntaganda trial set for September 23