THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Congolese militia leader Thomas Lubanga’s trial before the world’s first permanent war crimes court is likely to be delayed for more than two months in order to give defense attorneys more time to prepare.  Judges had been aiming to start the trial on March 31, however it is looking like a start date in June is more likely.  Two problems have contributed to the delay: disclosure of evidence to the defense and the involvement of victims in the trial.

Lubanga is charged with conscripting and using child soldiers to fight in the Congo conflict in 2002-2003.  Lubanga’s lawyer, Catherine Mabille, has said she has only received a fraction of the evidence she needs to prepare a defense.  Deputy prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she plans to call 35 witnesses and has given the defense attorneys details of many of them. 

The trial of Lubanga will be the first appearance at an international war crimes court tribunal of victims as a third party in the proceedings.  The appeals chamber is still considering how many victims will be allowed to participate and the limitations of their role in the trial.

For more information, please see:

AP – Congo War Crimes Trial Likely Delayed – 13 February 2008

Reuters – First trial at permanent war crimes court delayed – 14 February 2008

Relief Web – Trial of DR Congo militia leader to be postponed to early June – 13 February 2008