The Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic will issue its first verdict on October 31, 2022, an important step in justice efforts addressing atrocities committed in the country, Human Rights Watch said today.
Issa Sallet Adoum, Ousman Yaouba, and Tahir Mahamat, alleged members of the “3R” rebel group, stood trial on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, accused of being responsible for atrocities committed in May 2019 in the villages of Koundjili and Lemouna, northwest Central African Republic.
“The people in the Central African Republic have long experienced brutal, widespread atrocities with impunity,” said Elise Keppler, associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch. “The Special Criminal Court’s upcoming verdict in its first trial spotlights the importance of investing in justice efforts for victims of the crimes.”
Human Rights Watch documented the attacks by the 3R rebel group on civilians in the villages of Koundjili and Lemouna, and the town of Bohong in July 2019. During the attacks people were tied up and executed. About 46 civilians were killed and the communities were pillaged. The attack came three months after the 3R group and 13 other armed groups signed a peace accord.
The Special Criminal Court (SCC