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The Confirmation of Charges Against Joseph Kony and the Role of the International Defense before the International Criminal Court

Prosecutor Karim Khan's case against Joseph Kony before the International Criminal Court (ICC) stands out not only for the gravity of the crimes charged, but also for the technical complexity of the legal proceedings involved. Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), faces 12 counts of crimes against humanity and 21 counts of war crimes, including murder, sexual slavery, forced recruitment of children and attacks against civilians in northern Uganda.

At VENFORT Abogados, we explain the procedural relevance of the confirmation of charges hearing, the crucial role of the defense in this phase and how our experience positions us as a strategic ally to face this type of accusations.

Key chronology of the case:

  • In 2005: International arrest warrant:
    The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Joseph Kony, which has since been activated through INTERPOL Red Notices, a key mechanism for international cooperation in the search for suspects of serious crimes.
  • During 2024: Preparation of the confirmation of charges hearing:
    In September and October 2024, the Pre-Trial Chamber decided to postpone the hearing to ensure that both the Prosecution and the defense had sufficient time to prepare their arguments and that the evidence presented met the standards of legality and sufficiency.
  • This year 2025: Confirmation of Charges Hearing:
    The hearing is scheduled for September 9, 2025 and will determine whether the evidence is strong enough to confirm the charges and proceed to the trial stage.

The technical role of the defense in the confirmation of charges hearing:

The confirmation of charges hearing is not a trial, but a preliminary phase where judges evaluate whether there are substantial grounds to believe that the accused committed the crimes charged.

At this stage, the defense plays a fundamental role, as it must:

  • Assess the validity of the evidence presented by the Prosecutor's Office: It is a crucial time to examine whether the evidence meets the standards of legality and sufficiency required by the ICC, ensuring that it is admissible and relevant.
  • Challenging defective or insufficient evidence: The defense may argue that the evidence does not adequately link the accused to the facts charged or that it has been obtained or presented in an irregular manner.
  • Prevent the opening of the trial if the charges are not confirmed: An effective strategy can stop the case from moving forward to trial, reinforcing the importance of having an experienced legal team.

The technical strength of VENFORT Abogados in international criminal defense:

At VENFORT Abogados we have a team highly specialized in international criminal law, with outstanding experience in the evaluation of evidence and procedural strategy.

  • Technical proficiency in evidentiary matters: We thoroughly analyze the validity, relevance and sufficiency of the evidence submitted, ensuring compliance with the standards required by the ICC.
  • Advanced procedural strategy: We develop and execute customized litigation strategies aimed at maximizing the chances of success at every stage of the proceedings.
  • Integral advice on international processes: We offer a complete accompaniment, from the preparation of the defense to the representation in key hearings, guaranteeing the effective defense of our clients' rights.

INTERPOL and the ICC: A robust system of international cooperation

INTERPOL plays a key role in the execution of arrest warrants issued by the ICC, using Red Notices to coordinate with States Parties to locate and arrest suspects. For defendants, this means facing a highly interconnected and technical international justice system, where the defense must be equally robust and strategic. In this context, it is essential to assess whether it is appropriate to request the blocking or removal of the arrest warrant before INTERPOL in the event that the principles of its constitution are violated.

VENFORT Attorneys-at-Law: Defense and representation with global experience

At VENFORT Abogados we specialize in international criminal defense, offering personalized and strategic services at all stages of the ICC proceedings:

  • Defense of defendants: We represent our clients with a technical and rigorous approach, guaranteeing the protection of their rights and the highest legal quality in each procedural phase.
  • Victim representation: We also offer representation services for victims seeking justice before the ICC, ensuring the protection of their rights and their effective participation in the proceedings.

VENFORT Attorneys-at-Law: A strategic ally before the ICC

The case of Joseph Kony is a clear example of the complexity and technical demands of proceedings before the International Criminal Court. At VENFORT Abogados we offer our clients a robust defense based on our experience in international criminal law, our technical mastery in evidentiary matters and the accreditation of our members on the ICC list of qualified lawyers.

If you are facing an international investigation or prosecution, or require representation as a victim, our team is prepared to assist you with the utmost confidentiality, effectiveness and commitment.

For more information about our services, please visit our publications at Venfort.com.