The Prosecutor vs. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo: 26 July – 5 September 2007

Introduction

The following report is an overview of the main issues raised in anticipation of the Status Conference in the case Prosecutor vs. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo as well as a brief summary of the hearing of 4 September.

Firstly, the report summarises the responses by parties regarding the ‘Request for Submissions on the subjects that require early determination (hereafter the Request)’ by Trial Chamber I on 18 July 2007. The Request included a timetable for hearings in which issues of a predominantly preparative nature would be discussed. Ms. Catherine Mabille, Defence Counsel for Mr. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo filed a response on 7 August 2007 in which Counsel requested an extension of two months. On 15 August 2007 the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) responded to the Defence proposal and indicated its opposition to the delay of all hearings scheduled by the Trial Chamber. The Trial Chamber issued a decision on 16 August 2007 in which it suspended the proposed timetable and revealed its intentions to issue directions following the hearing on 4 September 2007.

Secondly, the report summarises the Status Conference of 4 September 2007. Finally, a brief summary is provided of the Order setting out the schedule for submissions and hearings regarding the subjects that require early determination as issued by the Trial Chamber on 5 September 2007.