Developments at the International Criminal Court

Abstract

This column covers the activity of the International Criminal Court during the first four months of 2010. The Court has continued investigating alleged crimes in four situations (the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Darfur/Sudan and the Central African Republic) and has started investigations in a fifth country (Kenya). The judicial activity of the Court has gained momentum, with proceedings against four accused persons, including ongoing trials against three persons. The commencement of the trial of one more person is pending, and an additional six individuals remain subject to warrants of arrest. Several Chambers have confirmed their previous decisions on the way in which trial proceedings must be prepared and conducted, including the scope of victim participation at trial and the legal framework for non-disclosure of information to the Defence as an exceptional measure of protection during trial. Moreover, the first decision on a Prosecutor’s request to open an investigation has been adopted. All in all, during the period of time covered in this column the Court has consolidated the foundations for the conduct of its investigations and trials.