ICC: Statement of the President of the Court in relation to the case of Mr Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, after Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda statement

Statement of the President of the Court in relation to the case of Mr Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo

I have taken note of the Prosecutor's statement issued 13 June 2018 in relation to the judgment of the Appeals Chamber in the Bemba Case.

In the circumstances, I find it important to recall and underscore certain fundamental principles that underpin the functioning of the Court. It will continue to be the case that all judgments and decisions by the judges of the Court are taken in accordance with the fundamental principle of judicial independence, consistently with the solemn undertaking of each judge to perform his or her duties 'honourably, faithfully, impartially and conscientiously', as required by article 45 of the Rome Statute and Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence. When judges acquit or convict, it is because those core principles direct them to do so. And it is hoped that it is consideration of those core principles that should guide any post-judgment statements by a party or participant in the case – be it the Prosecutor, the Defence or Counsel for Victims.

While the senior management of the ICC will continue to endeavour to apply a 'one court' principle in purely budgetary and other administrative matters of concern to the Court, it is important to emphasise that this does not apply for the purposes of the Prosecutor's functions and responsibilities, and those of the Judiciary. They must remain separate and independent functions.

International criminal Court/Président
Chile Eboe-Osuji

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