THE HAGUE, The Netherlands (Kaab TV) – On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Trial Chamber X of the International Criminal Court (ICC) sentenced Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud to 10 years in prison.
This follows the Chamber’s earlier Trial Judgment, which found him guilty of specific charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Timbuktu, northern Mali, between early May 2012 and January 29, 2013. Both parties have the right to appeal the sentence before the ICC Appeals Chamber.
The trial began on July 14-15, 2020. On June 26, 2024, Trial Chamber X, by majority, convicted Al Hassan of multiple charges, including crimes committed during the period when Timbuktu was under the control of armed groups Ansar Dine and Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
On September 18, 2024, both the Defence and the Prosecutor filed notices of appeal against the judgment.
Judge Kimberly Prost, Presiding Judge of Trial Chamber X, emphasized the significance of the sentencing phase as a milestone in the trial.
She underscored the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, acknowledging the harm caused to victims, and reaffirming the international community’s commitment to addressing serious crimes.
In determining the sentence, the Chamber considered the gravity of each crime, Al Hassan’s degree of participation and intent, and the presence of mitigating and aggravating factors.
The Chamber also took into account Al Hassan’s individual circumstances.
Mitigating factors included Al Hassan’s minor actions to assist the civilian population during 2012-2013 and his cooperation with the Prosecution during the investigation.
However, these considerations did not diminish the severity of the crimes, which included persecution, torture, inhumane acts, cruel treatment, outrages upon personal dignity, mutilation, and sentencing without due process.
The Chamber deemed the 10-year joint sentence proportionate to the gravity of these crimes and their impact on victims.
Time served by Al Hassan in ICC detention since March 28, 2018, will be deducted from his sentence.
However, the Chamber rejected a Defence request to credit additional time spent in detention in Mali prior to ICC custody from April 21, 2017.
Individuals convicted under the ICC’s jurisdiction serve their sentences in countries that have agreed to enforce ICC rulings.
Once the sentencing judgment becomes final, the ICC Presidency will designate a host state from its list of willing partners. Pending finalization, Al Hassan will remain in the ICC detention center.