The trial in the case The Prosecutor v. Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud has entered his final stages following closing statements that took place before Trial Chamber X of the International Criminal Court from 23 to 25 May 2023. During the closing statement hearings , the Prosecution, the Legal Representatives of Victims and the Defense presented their final arguments.
The ICC’s Trial Chamber X, composed of Judge Antoine Kesia-Mbe Mindua (President Judge), Judge Tomoko Akane and Judge Kimberly Prost, will deliberate on the proceedings and, within a reasonable period, pronounce its decision on conviction or acquittal pursuant to article 74 of the Rome Statute. The Chamber bases its decision only on the applicable law and on evidence submitted and discussed before it at the trial.
Mr Al Hassan is accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed in Timbuktu (Mali). The trial in this case opened on 14-15 July 2020 . 52 oral witnesses were called by the Prosecution at this stage and 22 Defense witnesses appeared in court.
The Legal Representatives of Victims, representing 2196 victims in this case, also called two witnesses to testify. On 8 February 2023, Trial Chamber X declared the closure of the submission of evidence in this case and parties and participants were requested to file their final briefs.
