Agius at UN Security Council: Firm stance needed against those who deny genocide and verdicts

(Patria) - President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Courts (Mechanism), Judge Carmel Agius, today submitted his first progress report to the United Nations Security Council since taking office on January 19, 2019. In his address, President Agius highlighted the most significant aspects of the Mechanism's work over the past six months. 

Regarding the most significant events in the residual judicial work of the Mechanism, President Agius noted that the judgment in the Karadžić case was rendered on March 20, 2019, at the Mechanism's branch in The Hague, emphasizing the timely completion of proceedings in this important case. President Agius informed the Council about the appeal proceedings in the Mladić case, which are expected to be concluded by the end of 2020, as well as about the solid progress in the retrial of the Stanišić and Simatović case, where the defense's evidentiary proceedings have been ongoing since June 18, 2019. Regarding the proceedings in the Arusha branch, the President informed the Council that the review hearing in the Ngirabatware case is expected to be held in September 2019. In addition, the trial in the case of Turimubaye and others, which is being conducted against five individuals accused of contempt of court, is expected to begin in October 2019. 

President Agius presented a series of observations regarding the Mechanism's responsibility in the area of sentence enforcement, stating that "justice is not satisfied merely by the rendering of a judgment" and that "in order to have a lasting impact on international peace and justice, we must all remain committed not only to trials, appeals, and active judicial processes, but also to what comes after them.".

The President further called on Member States to assist with nine individuals who were acquitted or released by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and are currently in Arusha, under the jurisdiction of the Mechanism, as no country has yet been willing to receive them. President Agius emphasized that "these individuals should be free to start a new life, as they have served their sentences or have never been convicted.". 

President Agius noted with satisfaction that his address to the Council coincides with International Justice Day. Highlighting the significant work of international courts and tribunals, the President stated that "international criminal justice is not the responsibility of the courts alone," noting that "all those committed to the rule of law play a crucial role in the fight against impunity.". 

The President reiterated the need for a firm stance against those who deny the legitimacy of the findings of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the ICTR, and the Mechanism, especially in light of the latest cases of genocide denial and revisionism. In his opinion, "international criminal justice concerns all of us, because justice serves peace, and peace must be maintained daily.". 

At the end of his presentation, President Agius stated that he is determined to do "everything in his power to maximize the Mechanism's ability to deliver meaningful justice and fulfill all aspects of its mandate effectively and efficiently" and expressed his hope that the Council will continue to support the Mechanism, as it has done so far.