Statement ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda on Ngudjolo Chui verdict

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Trial Chamber’s written decision to acquit Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the attack on the village of Bogoro, in Ituri in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the basis of its preliminary review and in accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute, the Prosecution has decided to appeal the verdict. 

Yesterday, the Prosecution made an application requesting the continued detention of Mr Ngudjolo Chui pending the outcome of the appeal. The Trial Chamber rejected the application. The Office will today be appealing that decision. 

The ICC is based on justice and respect for the rule of law. The trial and appellate processes are governed by the rule of law. The Office of the Prosecutor respects the Trial Chamber, even when the Office disagrees with the Chamber’s conclusions.

Press release: ICC Trial Chamber II acquits Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui