- confirm those charges in relation to which it has determined that there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Charles Blé Goudé committed the crimes charged. In that event, the case will go to trial before a Trial-Chamber, composed of 3 other judges; or
- decline to confirm those charges in relation to which it has determined that there is insufficient evidence and adjourn the proceedings against Charles Blé Goudé; or
- adjourn the hearing and request the Prosecutor to provide further evidence or conduct further investigations or to amend any charge for which the evidence submitted appears to establish that a crime other than the crime charged was committed.
Blé Goudé caseBlé Goudé case: Confirmation of charges hearing ends at ICC
Today, 2 October 2014, the confirmation of charges hearing in the case The Prosecutor v. Charles Blé Goudé came to an end before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague (Netherlands). The hearing started on 29 September 2014. The Judges granted the parties and participants additional time to complete, in writing, their oral presentations.
During the four-day hearing, the Office of the Prosecutor and the Defence were able to present their evidence to Pre-Trial Chamber I, composed of Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi (presiding judge), Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova and Judge Christine van den Wyngaert. The Legal representative of the victims also had the opportunity to present opening and closing statements.
The Prosecutor and the Legal representative of victims will have until 10 October 2014 to complete their presentations by written submissions, to which the Defence can reply by 17 October 2014. Within 60 days from the receipt of the Defence’s final submissions, the judges will issue their decision. The Pre-Trial Chamber may then:
Art The Hague
By Henry Arvidsson.
Art lovers in the City of Peace and Justice united for the opening of Art The Hague on 1 October The venerable Fokker Terminal with its huge hangar hosts for five days the largest gathering of contemporary art in town.
The thirty-seven galleries present as this edition display both 2D and 3D art. Oil or acrylic on canvas, cut leaves, lithographs, metal sculptures, huge colourful light bulbs, cardboard creatures and some fantastic photography and photography based art. For the politically minded there is a masterpiece from Steven Wilkes “Day to Night” series from the Obama inauguration. The large image is assembled from 1400 individual pictures taken during a whole day and painstakingly assembled for the final image that can be yours for the price of a midsized car. 
The extremely detailed photograph can be admired at the Artitled Contemporary Gallery. If that is out of reach there is also a large collection of miniature plastic Volkswagens at different stages of “development” priced from 100 Euros. The miniature cars are linked together, immersed in liquid and contained in glass jars as if they were foetuses on display in a museum. The provocative installation is on display at Buro Rotterdam. Feel free to go behind the large white pop-up walls to discover exhibits or art academies and climb the stairs to the mezzanine for solo exhibits of featured artists such as Simon Schrikkers assembly of 80 paintings with the common name and motif “Pulpo”(Octopus). Simon sought inspiration for his artwork at the Blijdorp Aquarium in Rotterdam.
If some of the pictures from the series “World of Tales” by the Estonian artist Kylli Sparre look familiar it is probably because you are a user of Photoshop as her artwork are featured on the opening screen of the software product and thereby spread around the world. The Global Factories Award is named after the medical tech company based in The Hague that sponsors the award. To stimulate artists and gallery owners alike the company have committed to buy an artwork with a max price tag of 10 000 Euros for their corporate art collection. An independent panel of judges assembled several artworks and agreed on a winner. It was Galerie 2.0 that provided the winning piece, a magnificent photographic portrait by the Hasselblad Price Winner Denis Rouvre.
You can see the winner and so much more stimulating contemporary art at the Fokker Terminal from 1-5 October 2014. For more info www.artthehague.nl
Confirmation of charges hearing in Blé Goudé
Today, 29 September 2014, the confirmation of charges hearing in the case The Prosecutor v. Charles Blé Goudé opened before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague (Netherlands).
The hearing started with the opening statements of ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, Legal representative of victims Paolina Massidda, and Defence counsel Nick Kaufman. The hearing is scheduled until 2 October 2014. Pre-Trial Chamber I is composed of Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi (presiding judge), Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova and Judge Christine van den Wyngaert.
The confirmation of charges hearing is not a trial. It is a Pre-Trial hearing held to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that the person committed each of the crimes charged. If charges are confirmed, the Pre-Trial Chamber commits the case for trial before a Trial Chamber, which conducts the subsequent phase of the proceedings: the trial.
Charles Blé Goudé allegedly bears individual criminal responsibility, as indirect co-perpetrator, for four counts of crimes against humanity, namely murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, persecution, and other inhuman acts, allegedly committed in the territory of Côte d’Ivoire between 16 December 2010 and 12 April 2011.
Ivory Coast National Day
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
On Friday 26 September 2014, H.E. Mr Sallah Ben Abdelkader Hamza, Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to the Netherlands, hosted a reception at the Hotel Crowne Plaza. The occasion was his country’s National Day. No palm wine was served, but aloko, a special local dish, was in abundance.
For more than three decades after independence under the leadership of its first president, Felix Houphouët-Boigny, Ivory Coast was conspicuous for its religious and ethnic harmony and its well-developed economy.
In Ivory Coast Independence Day is also a national holiday. The day is filled with cultural activities and parties. Bangui, the local palm wine, and aloko, ripe banana fried in palm oil are served aplenty. Military parades and processions are also held in the capital city of Cote d’Ivoire – Yamoussoukro. The audience, consisting of none Ivoirian invitees and patriots, all enjoyed the soirĂ©e Ivoirienne.
In Ivory Coast Independence Day is also a national holiday. The day is filled with cultural activities and parties. Bangui, the local palm wine, and aloko, ripe banana fried in palm oil are served aplenty. Military parades and processions are also held in the capital city of Cote d’Ivoire – Yamoussoukro. The audience, consisting of none Ivoirian invitees and patriots, all enjoyed the soirĂ©e Ivoirienne.
Saudi Arabia National Day
By Roy Lier A Tjam, Editor.
H.E. Mr. Abdullah Abdulaziz Alshaghrood, Ambassador for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Netherlands, hosted a grand reception Tuesday evening to celebrate the 84th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The reception in The Hague was attended by a large number of diplomats and other dignitaries.
The evening commenced with the playing of the national anthems of Saudi Arabia and subsequently of the Netherlands.
In his welcome remarks H.E. Mr.Abdullah Abdulaziz Alshaghrood emphasized the importance of the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two kingdoms. Following the welcome speech the .guests at the reception had the opportunity to sample an assortment of both sweet and savory Saudi Arabian foods. Saudi Arabia National Day is celebrated in Saudi Arabia and its overseas missions on September23. The day marks the anniversary of the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the late King Abdul Aziz in 1932.
Upon departing, the guests were each given a gift bag containing Saudi delicacies.
Full photo-album click here:Â https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157647618953480/
Czech Republic National Day
By Johann Peter Gies, Junior Editor.
On occasion of the celebration of the CzechRepublic’s National Day, H.E. Mr. Jaroslav Horá, Ambassador of the CzechRepublic, invited colleagues, partners and friends, to a  diplomatic reception at his residence. With beautifully decorated rooms and garden of the family house, the host organized a very well attended event. A buffet with a vast selection of delicate Czech specialities was served, ranging from warm soups and fresh salads to sweet confectionary and pastries. The National Day commemorates St Wenceslas’ Day, patron of the CzechRepublic.
The attendees of this year’s National Day celebration took home memories of a pleasant evening, delicious treats and selected souvenirs. 
Prosecutor of the ICC opening a second investigation
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, on opening  a second investigation in the Central African Republic
Today, I am announcing that I have made the decision to open a second investigation in the Central African Republic (CAR) with respect to crimes allegedly committed since 2012. I was clear from the outset in firm, unequivocal and consistent public statements that attacks against civilians would not be tolerated and the perpetrators of such crimes could face justice at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The law is clear in this regard and today’s decision to proceed to the investigation phase is based on my legal obligations under the Court’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute.
In February this year, following escalating violence in CAR, I opened a new preliminary examination to assess whether or not I could proceed with an investigation into what was a dire situation in CAR. The transitional government of CAR decided to refer the situation to my Office on 30 May 2014 requesting that I investigate alleged crimes falling within ICC jurisdiction committed in the country since 1 August 2012.
My Office has gathered and scrupulously analysed relevant information from multiple reliable sources. Based on this independent and comprehensive analysis, I have concluded that an investigation is warranted. The information available provides a reasonable basis to believe that both the Séléka and the anti-balaka groups have committed crimes against humanity and war crimes including murder, rape, forced displacement, persecution, pillaging, attacks against humanitarian missions and the use of children under fifteen in combat. The list of atrocities is endless. I cannot ignore these alleged crimes.
The 30 May 2014 referral by the CAR authorities demonstrates a commitment to fight impunity for mass crimes and to bring justice to the victims. We look forward to their full cooperation as we conduct our investigation into these crimes.
My Office will now work to directly collect criminal evidence with a view to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the most serious crimes. As always, our investigation will be conducted in an independent and impartial manner and will be led only by the evidence.
As the investigation moves forward, we will continue to record any new crime against civilians that might be committed in CAR. Mass crimes shock the conscience of humanity and tear at the social fabric of society. Let this be a message to would-be perpetrators in CAR and beyond: such crimes will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law.
Ruto and Sang case
The trial in the case of The Prosecutor v. William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang continued today, Wednesday 24 September 2014, with the continuation of the testimony of the 24th Prosecution witness.
The trial of William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang was opened on  September 10, 2013. Mr Ruto and Mr Sang are accused of crimes against humanity (murder, deportation or forcible transfer of population and persecution) allegedly committed in Kenya in the context of the 2007-2008 post-election violence. The trial is being heard by Trial Chamber V(A), which is composed of Judges Chile Eboe-Osuji (presiding), Olga Herrera Carbuccia and Robert Fremr.
1st Annual Diplomatic BBQ
By Johann P. Gies, Junior Editor.Â
The end of a warm and pleasant summer has been celebrated on the evening of Wednesday September 17th with the 1st Diplomatic BBQ organised by Crowne Plaza Hotel Den Haag – Promenade in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine. Under the initially intense summer sun, which in the course of the evening became more gentle, the sponsors, friends and guests of our Magazine enjoyed a carefully selected and well grilled variation of precious meats, healthy salads, refreshing drinks and sweet deserts in a comfortable and outstanding atmosphere. The evening was finalised by a private piano concert by Diplomat Magazine’s pianist Joris van Goudoever. All in all this was a brilliant start for this new annual diplomatic event. The guests and friends are looking forward to next year’s  diplomatic BBQ at CrownePlaza hotel, which will be as sun-kissed as this years debut.
On the beautiful terrace of the hotel, over twenty five ambassadors, diplomats and embassy staff attend this great event. Vincent Pahlplatz, General Manager of the hotel welcomed back all diplomats in The Hague and together with his team he allowed the diplomats to share their summer experiences with colleagues and friends, while enjoying the great BBQ food, cocktails, drinks and appetizers.
FULL PHOTO-ALBUM OF THIS EVENT PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157647962604495/
The CrownePlaza Den Haag – Promenade has more than 43 years of experience with hosting events for the Corps Diplomatique. The 174 bedrooms combined with 8 multi-functional meeting rooms, terrace, lobby, bar, restaurant, cigar lounge, 222 private parking spaces and the spacious Prominential Suite of 140m2 makes the hotel the ideal location for every event, an informal meeting in the lobby, a meeting or National day or housing official delegations.
Dominican Painter in The Hague
Juan Carlos Reyes Masterwords at the Wittenburg Castle in Wassenaar. Hosted by the Dominican Republic Embassy, the Wittenburg Castle and Laboratorios de Aplicaciones Medicas (LAM) in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine. Oct. 16th, 6pm.