Central African Republic’s top soccer executive appears before ICC judges

Central African Republic’s top soccer executive appeared before judges at the International Criminal Court on Friday, days after being handed over by France to face allegations of war crimes against the Muslim population of his country.

Senior football official #Ngaïssona appearing in court for the first time – cuts an unusually comfortable/confident figure. Hearing lasted less than 30 mins. Trial (provisionally) set to start 18 June 2019 https://t.co/HWh0yYZvL5 #ICC pic.twitter.com/yjTJqLxkDp

— anna holligan ? (@annaholligan) January 25, 2019

Patrice-Edouard Ngaissona, allegedly a former militia leader, was detained on Dec. 12 while in France on official business, his lawyer told judges. A French court approved his extradition on Dec. 31.

He was arrested while on “an official mission order saying he was president of the Central African Football Federation,” lawyer Eric Plouvier told the court. Ngaissona was elected top executive of CAF, Africa’s football governing body, last year.

Photos of today’s initial appearance hearing in the #Ngaïssona case before the #ICC now available https://t.co/FuJ0LeOrqs More info on the case https://t.co/POq432tZrG pic.twitter.com/CHfPnRaq6l

— Int’l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) January 25, 2019

ICC prosecutors accuse Ngaissona, 51, of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, extermination, deportation, persecution, torture, attacking civilians, and recruiting child soldiers.

Ngaissona, who earlier denied the charges, spoke only briefly in court to confirm his identity and that he was informed of the charges against him.

A follow-up hearing was set for June 18, when prosecutors will provide details about their indictment.

Ngaissona has been described by prosecutors as the “senior leader” of the mostly Christian anti-balaka militia that carried out systematic attacks against the Muslim population in 2013-2014.

? Starting now: Initial appearance of Patrice-Edouard #Ngaïssona, suspect in the #CAR II situation, before the #ICC: on Facebook ➡️ https://t.co/Ega7ScOqgO & ICC website ➡️https://t.co/hQyzvjKJRO (Courtoom I) pic.twitter.com/S2KaxuRR0f

— Int’l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) January 25, 2019

The Central African Republic has been mired in violence since a coalition of mostly northern rebels known as Seleka seized power in March 2013. Their brutal rule gave rise to the anti-balaka militia, who opposed them.

The ICC has said it is investigating crimes committed by all parties in the conflict.

In November, Alfred Yekatom, another leader of the anti-balaka militia and a sitting member of the country’s parliament, was handed over to the ICC.

? In case you missed it: Watch today’s initial appearance of Mr #Ngaïssona at the #ICC & download video https://t.co/RsMT9tAiXM
& audio https://t.co/04OXHqjpTf https://t.co/yajCAviYB6

— Int’l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) January 25, 2019

REUTERS