The case against Mr Joseph Kony at the ICC

Mr Joseph Kony is suspected before the International Criminal Court of 36 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed between the 1st of July 2002 and the 31st of December 2005 in Northern Uganda.

The confirmation of charges hearing in the Kony case is scheduled to start on the 9th of September 2025, in Mr Kony’s absence.

A confirmation of charges hearing is NOT A TRIAL; rather it is a preliminary hearing to check if the Prosecutor's evidence is sufficient or not, in order to move the case to trial.

The defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty and the burden of proof lies with the Prosecutor.

The Rome Statute, which is the founding treaty of the ICC, allows for a hearing on the confirmation of the charges in the absence of a suspect under specific conditions. According to the ICC judges overseeing this case, these conditions have now been met.

Mr Peter Haynes, an experienced Defence lawyer, has been appointed by the Court to protect Mr Kony’s rights and interests during the confirmation proceedings.

Victims authorised to participate in this case at this pre-trial stage are represented by a team of lawyers, according to the modalities decided by the ICC judges.

Victims in the Kony case who have not yet applied to participate in any previous ICC proceedings in the Uganda Situation can fill an application form for participation, and send it to the Victims Participation and Reparations Section. More information can be found on the Court’s website: www.icc-cpi.int

Within 60 days after the Confirmation of Charges hearing, ICC judges may confirm all or only some of the charges against Mr Kony; or decline all the charges and stop the proceedings against Mr Kony; or adjourn the hearing and request the Prosecutor to provide more evidence.

If the charges are confirmed, a trial before the ICC can only begin if the accused is present in the Courtroom before the Trial Chamber.