On Monday the trial resumed with the testimony of Christine Peduto, a child protection specialist for the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who told the Court that Lubanga kidnapped a child and forced him into the UPC. In her interview with the child, Peduto explained that the child told her he was kidnapped in February 2003 by six soldiers and Lubanga while he was walking on a road. Peduto also told the Court she had no reason to question the child’s credibility.
On Tuesday, July 14, the prosecution rested its case against Lubanga; their case included 30 witnesses over a period of five months. On the last day of trial, Peduto was asked by the Judges to clarify some of her statements in her testimony: Judge Elizabeth Odio Benito asked Peduto to explain the difference between “children associated with armed groups” and the term “child soldiers.”
“‘Child soldier’ is a bit restrictive. We prefer to use ‘children associated with armed groups’, which reflects a broader reality…[because] we are not only talking about combatants who carry weapons. Children were used as informers, for logistical activities, as drivers, bodyguards, and children were subjected to sexual abuse,” Peduto explained.
In addition, a witness for the prosecutionwas cross-examined by the defense in a closed session after Peduto testified.
The defense is expected to start their case in October.
This post was created by Kate Davey through sourcing from the reporting of Rachel Irwin for lubangatrial.org
Filed under: Congo, Intl Criminal Ct, Lubanga Trial , child soldier, court, ICC, law, Lubanga, war crimes
