On 20 March 2014, Narcisse Arido appeared before the Single Judge of Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Cuno Tarfusser, at the seat of the ICC in The Hague (The Netherlands).
He is suspected of offences against the administration of justice allegedly committed in connection with the case The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, consisting of corruptly influencing witnesses before the ICC and presenting evidence that they knew to be false or forged.
The hearing was held in the presence of the Prosecution and the Defence. Narcisse Arido was represented by his duty counsel Xavier-Jean Keїta.
The Single Judge verified the identity of the suspect and ensured that he was clearly informed of the charges brought against him and of his rights under the Rome Statute of the ICC. The Single Judge reminded the parties of the calendar set for expeditious proceedings leading to the confirmation of charges decision.
With a confirmation of charges decision, Judges determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that the person committed each of the crimes charged. If the charges are confirmed, the Pre-Trial Chamber commits the case for trial before a Trial Chamber, which will conduct the subsequent phase of the proceedings: the trial.
The Single Judge explained that the determinations on the confirmation of the charges will be made on the basis of written submissions, without holding a hearing, due to the nature of the charges in the case.
