April 2020 - International Criminal Court Updates
By: Shraddha Dubey, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL
In the past month, the International Criminal Court released developments regarding one case and updated its measures against COVID-19. It also acknowledged the passing away of Felipe Michelini, Chair of the Board of Directors of The Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC.
AFRICA
Mali | ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I accepts amendments to the charges in the Al Hassan case
On 23 April, 2020, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC issued a confidential decision partially granting the Prosecutor's request to modify the charges against Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud (Mr. Al Hassan).
The Chamber decided to include in the charges additional facts that will be added to the existing charges of Crimes against Humanity of sexual slavery, rape, persecution, and other inhumane acts including forced marriage. Also included in the charges are charges of War Crimes of cruel treatment, sexual slavery, rape, outrages upon personal dignity, and passing of sentences without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court affording all judicial guarantees which are generally recognized as indispensable.
ICC OPERATIONS
COVID-19 | Measures Extended
The Court’s measures in accordance with the policies of the Host State, The Netherlands means that staff members based in The Hague continue to work remotely until 19 May, 2020 included (subject to review). All visits to the Court remain canceled.
The Trust Fund for Victims | Felipe Michelini Passes Away
On 20 April, 2020 The Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC announced the passing of Felipe Michelini, Chair of the Board of Directors, on Sunday, 19 April 2020. Felipe Michelini was elected to the Board of Directors of The Trust Fund for Victims first in 2015. He became the Chair of the Board upon election in 2018.