Ahead of the anticipated trial of Dominic Ongwen, the former commander of the Sinia Brigade Commander in the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), the International Criminal Court (ICC) has sent a specialist to Uganda.
Herman Von Hebel, the Registrar of ICC is expected in Uganda by on December 3rd for a six days’ visit according to Maria Mabinty Kamara, the ICC Field Outreach Coordinator for Uganda and Kenya.
He is expected to the victims of the LRA rebellion and local media about the ICC judicial process
Ongwen’s trial will commence with the presentation of opening statements on December 6th for three days followed by recess until January 16th, 2017 when full hearing will commence.
He faces up to 70 charges of war crimes allegedly committed under his watch during the raid on IDP camps of Pajule in October 2003, Odek in April 2004, Lukodi on May 19, 2004, and Abok June 2004.
He also faces charges of murder, rape, and torture, destruction of property, pillaging and the enlistment of teenagers under the age of 15 into armed conflicts in Northern Uganda between 1 July 2002 and 31 December 2005.
Over 4000 victims in Northern Uganda have been granted status by the court to participate in the trail of Ongwen who will be represented by 11 lawyers led by Charles Krispus Ayena Odongo.
The ICC Outreach department will open viewing sites at seven locations to allow those interested in following the proceedings to do so. The 41 year old Ongwen faces up to 30 year in jail or a life sentence once found guilty.
