ICC outreach officer for Uganda and Kenya, Maria Mabinty Kamara confirms to the media that the pre-trial for former LRA rebel Dominic Ongwen kicks off tomorrow in the Hague and will last for only 5 days. Addressing a a news conference today in Kampala, Kamara mentions that during the pre-trial process judges will examine the charges as presented by the prosecutor and will either accept all the charges as presented or drop some before fully committing Ongwen for trial.
However, the lead prosecutor maintains that there is still room for investigations on the case and urges those with any evidence to forward it not only against Ongwen but from other war players like the UPDF.
The warrant of arrest for Dominic Ongwen lists seven counts on the basis of his individual criminal responsibility allegedly committed on or about 20th May 2004 at Lokodi IDP camp in Gulu district and among them being, three counts of crimes against humanity (murder), enslavement, four counts of war crimes that include attacks against civilian population, pillaging among others.