ICC confirms war crimes charges against Uganda's rebel leader Joseph Kony

"The International Criminal Court confirmed 39 charges against Kony, paving the way for a trial if he is ever captured. Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have confirmed war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony, nearly two decades after the court first issued a warrant for his arrest. Kony, who remains at large, faces 39 charges, including murder, sexual enslavement and rape, making him the ICC's longest-standing fugitive."

"Judges from the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber III said there are substantial grounds to believe that Mr Kony is criminally responsible for the crimes committed in northern Uganda between 2002 and 2005, when he commanded the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). Besides crimes committed by his rebels, the judges said Kony could also be held responsible for 10 crimes he allegedly committed himself, linked to two women he forced to become his wives."

The International Criminal Court confirmed 39 charges against Joseph Kony, including murder, sexual enslavement and rape. ICC judges found substantial grounds to believe Kony is criminally responsible for crimes committed in northern Uganda between 2002 and 2005 while leading the Lord's Resistance Army. The charges cover orders to attack civilian settlements, kill and mistreat civilians, loot and destroy property, and to abduct children and women for integration into the LRA. Judges also concluded Kony could be personally responsible for ten crimes tied to two women he forced to become his wives. The chamber confirmed charges in his absence, allowing a trial if he is captured, though a full trial requires the defendant's presence. Arrest efforts are ongoing.

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