Reacting to the opening of the trial of former president François Bozizé and three co-defendants before the Special Criminal Court (SCC) in the Central African Republic, Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa said:
“The fact that François Bozizé is on trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity – including torture, murder, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances – demonstrates a significant willingness of the SCC to fight against impunity and pursue justice for victims’ right to justice and reparations.
“However, trying Bozizé in absentia significantly tarnishes this trial process. It is essential that he is arrested, extradited and faces the court in person.
The Special Criminal Court can only fulfill its mandate if national authorities and all states fully cooperate.
Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa
