ICC
Former Central African Republic rebel commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court on Friday .
Kani, 50, is suspected of committing crimes against humanity and war crimes including torture after the country spiralled into sectarian violence in 2013, following the ouster of former leader Francois Bozize.
The violence pitted the Seleka, a mainly Muslim-backed rebel coalition against mainly Christian vigilante self-defence groups known as anti-Balaka
He arrived at the Court's detention center in The Hague on Monday.
Friday's hearing was meant to verify Kani's identity and to notify him of the charges he's alleged to have committed. The hearing was held in the presence of the prosecutor and the defence.
A confirmation of charges hearing is expected to take place next Friday.
Two former Central African Republic warlords who led anti-Balaka militias are currently on trial at the ICC.
01:01
War affects over 600 million women, UN says
01:41
Victims of Uganda’s Lord’s Resistance Army disappointed in sentence
01:57
CAR: MINUSCA head stresses “importance of” renewing stabilization mission’s mandate
00:59
The International Criminal Court unsealed war crimes arrest warrants for 6 Libyan suspects
Go to video
Families of jailed Tunisians call on ICC to look into claims of migrant abuse, political persecution
02:19
MPR Set to Return to the Stage in Paris, Amplifying Their Call for Peace and Social Justice