Central African Republic surrenders war crimes suspect Mahamat Said Abdel Kani to ICC News
jorono / Pixabay
Central African Republic surrenders war crimes suspect Mahamat Said Abdel Kani to ICC

Central African Republic (CAR) officials on Sunday surrendered war crimes suspect Mahamat Said Abdel Kani to the International Criminal Court (ICC). An ICC investigation carried out by Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda in 2014 resulted in an arrest warrant accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

According to the ICC press release, Said is suspected of being involved in the mass violence caused by armed conflict between the Seleka, a group that opposes President François Bozizé, and Anti-Balaka, a group that supports the President. The violence led to the death of numerous members of the civilian population between 2013 and 2014.

The press release further states:

The Single Judge found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Said, a national of the Central African Republic, born on 25 February 1970 in Bria, was a Seleka Commander, and in this capacity, he is suspected of being responsible for the following crimes: crimes against humanity (imprisonment or other severe deprivation of liberty; torture; persecution; enforced disappearance and other inhumane acts; and war crimes (torture and cruel treatment).

Said must appear before the Single Judge of the Pre-Trial Chamber II before the trial, which is set to begin on February 9.

THIS DAY @ LAW

President Harding signed "anti-beer bill"

On November 23, 1921, President Warren G. Harding signed the Willis-Campbell Act, popularly termed the "anti-beer bill," prohibiting doctors from prescribing beer or liquor for medicinal purposes.

Convention on Cybercrimes opens for signature

On November 23, 2001, the Convention on Cybercrime was opened for signature in Budapest, Hungary, before entering into force on July 1, 2004. The Convention seeks to coordinate the Internet laws of signatory states and promote international enforcement of cybercrime laws. Learn more about the Convention on Cybercrime from the Council of Europe.