Source: Amnesty International –
Reacting to the opening of the trial of former president François Bozizé and three co-defendants before the Special Criminal Court (SCC) in the Central African Republic, Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa said:
“The fact that François Bozizé is on trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity – including torture, murder, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances – demonstrates a significant willingness of the SCC to fight against impunity and pursue justice for victims’ right to justice and reparations.
“However, trying Bozizé in absentia significantly tarnishes this trial process. It is essential that he is arrested, extradited and faces the court in person.
The Special Criminal Court can only fulfill its mandate if national authorities and all states fully cooperate.
Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa
“The execution of arrest warrants ensures fair trials in which victims and survivors can confront the accused, and the accused have the opportunity to defend themselves. Crucially, it also means that those found guilty of the most egregious crimes face the consequences of their actions.
“Over 30 suspects subject to arrest warrants from the SCC are still at large in other cases. All should be arrested and brought before the competent court. The SCC can only fulfill its mandate if national authorities and all states, particularly those hosting suspects, fully cooperate.”