ICC convicts Central African Republic rebel leader of crimes against humanity
The International Criminal Court on Wednesday convicted former Central African Republic militia commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani of torture and unlawful imprisonment. Said oversaw a detention centre in the capital Bangui infamous for its brutal conditions during the country's sectarian civil war.
The International Criminal Court on Wednesday found former Central African Republic rebel commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani guilty of four counts of crimes against humanity. Charged with overseeing a detention center in 2013, he oversaw beatings and maltreatment during a period of sectarian violence. Three war crime charges were dropped.
During his trial, Kani pleaded not guilty to all charges. Convicted of overseeing torture, including whippings and body mutilation, and denying inmates food and water, Kani faces a potential life sentence. A member of the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel group, Kani was responsible for the Central Office for the Repression of Banditry in Bangui.
Prosecutors allege he personally participated in the beating of at least one prisoner. Extradited to the ICC in 2021, Kani's trial began in September 2022. This marks the first time a Seleka group member has stood trial at the ICC, established in The Hague in 2022 as the world's only independent tribunal for prosecuting the worst crimes.
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