DRC - International Criminal Court

Bemba stays behind bars

Article published on the 2009-09-03 Latest update 2009-09-03 15:38 TU

Jean-Pierre Bemba at the ICC.
(Photo: Reuters)

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has decided to hold the former Vice-President of the Democratic Republic of Congo behind bars pending an appeal against his release. A month ago the ICC granted Jean-Pierre Bemba a conditional release before his trial, the date of which has yet to be set.

Prosecutors have appealed against the decision, stating that Bemba may harm witnesses on his release or flee.

Bemba is accused of three charges of war crimes and two of crimes against humanity allegedly committed between October 2002 and March 2003.

His military organisation, the Congolese Liberation Movement, allegedly committed rapes and murders while helping ex-Central African Republic President Ange-Félix Patassé stop a coup bid.

The ICC say that Bemba must be held until a country is found to host him. He has requested Belgium, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy and South Africa but most have raised objections to receiving the former business tycoon and political leader.