Mahamat Said Abdel Kani appearing for the first time before the ICC via video-link from the ICC Detention Centre on 28 January 2021 ©ICC-CPI
On 28 and 29 January 2021, Mahamat Said Abdel Kani appeared before Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala, Single judge of Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”). Mr Said is suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR), in 2013.
The Single Judge verified the identity of the suspect, and ensured that he was clearly informed of the crimes he is alleged to have committed and of his rights under the Rome Statute of the ICC in a language he fully understands and speaks, which is Sango for Mr Said.
The hearing was held in the presence of the Prosecutor and the Defence. Mr Said was represented by his Counsel Jean Pierre Madoukou and appeared via video-link from the ICC Detention Centre. Due to the current situation linked to Covid-19, some of the hearings participants took part in the hearing via video-link.
The opening of the confirmation of charges hearing was scheduled provisionally for Tuesday 5 October 2021. The purpose of the confirmation of charges procedure is to 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, totally or partly, the case will be transferred to a Trial Chamber, which will conduct the subsequent phase of the proceedings: the trial.
