ICC: Central African Republic militia leader convicted of crimes against humanity

Credit: Greger Ravik (CC BY 2.0)

Trial Chamber VI found Said guilty beyond reasonable doubt of imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, persecution and other inhumane acts committed at the Office Central de Répression du Banditisme in Bangui between 12 April and 30 August 2013.

The judges found that Said, who was responsible for the office as a Seleka commander, acted with the necessary intent and knowledge and was a direct co-perpetrator of the crimes.

He was acquitted of the war crimes of torture, cruel treatment and outrages upon personal dignity.

The chamber acknowledged the continuing physical and psychological harm suffered by victims who gave evidence about their detention and abuse.

Both the prosecution and defence have 30 days to appeal. The chamber will now determine Said’s sentence, while proceedings on reparations for victims will also begin.

Said’s trial opened on 26 September 2022 and lasted 130 hearings. The chamber heard 58 prosecution witnesses and three defence witnesses, with 3,863 items of evidence admitted. A total of 32 victims were granted the right to participate in the proceedings.