EXAMINATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT ON CONTROVERSIAL CASES

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has, to date, opened controversial cases exclusively in Africa. Cases concerning 25 individuals are open before the Court, pertaining to crimes allegedly committed in six African States: Libya, Kenya, Sudan (Darfur), Uganda (the Lord's Resistance Army, LRA), the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic. A 26th case, against a Darfur rebel commander, was dismissed. The ICC Prosecutor has yet to secure any conviction. In addition, the Prosecutor has initiated preliminary examinations a potential precursor to a full investigation in Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Nigeria, along with several countries outside of Africa, such as Afghanistan, Colombia, Georgia, Honduras, and the Republic of Korea. ICC prosecutions have been praised by human rights advocates. At the same time, the ICC Prosecutor's choice of cases and the perception that the Court has disproportionately focused on Africa have been controversial.

Autorentext

Dr. Jairus Casian Mlowe, (PhD), Jordan University College.