The Prosecutor vs. Moinina Fofana
and
Allieu Kondewa
7 March 2003
Sam Hinga Norman indicted on 8 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law.
26 June 2003
Indictment approved against Moinina Fofana and Allieu Kondewa, also on 8 counts.
31 Oct. - 6 Nov. 2003
Oral arguments on a number of preliminary motions challenging the jurisdiction of the Special Court. Among them was the challenge brought by First Accused Norman challenging whether the recruitment of child soldiers was a crime at the time alleged in the indictment. On 31 May 2004,
in a landmark ruling, the Appeals Chamber ruled by majority decision that the recruitment of child soldiers crystallize as a crime under customary international law prior to November 1996, the period covered by the Special Court's mandate.
28 February 2004
The Trial Chamber orders a joint trial of the three accused, and on 5 March the Prosecution files a joint indictment.
3 June 2004
The Prosecution opens its case.
14 July 2005
The Prosecution concluded its case. 75 Prosecution witnesses, including 3 experts, gave evidence during five trial sessions.
20 September 2005
Trial Chamber hears oral arguments on Motions for Judgment of Acquittal.
21 October 2005
Decision on Motions for Judgment of Acquittal. The Court orders the Accused to present a defence on all counts in the indictment, but strikes out a number of particulars in respect of certain crime bases.
19 January 2006
The Defence open its case. The first Defence witness was the First Accused, Sam Hinga Norman, who testified on his own behalf.
18 October 2006
Defence concludes witness testimony after calling 44 witnesses.
28-30 November
Closing arguments take place before the Judges of Trial Chamber I.
22 February 2007
Sam Hinga Norman dies in Dakar, Senegal.
21 May 2007
After considering submissions from Prosecution and Defence, the Trial Chamber terminates proceedings against Sam Hinga Norman due to his death.
2 August 2007
Judgment in the trial of The Prosecutor vs. Moinina Fofana and Allieu Kondewa. Fofana is found guilty,
by a majority of the Judges, on Counts 2, 4, 5 and 7. Kondewa is found guilty on Counts 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8.
19 September 2007
Sentencing hearing.
9 October 2007
Sentencing judgment. Fofana is given concurrent sentences totalling six
years and Kondewa is given concurrent sentences totalling eight years, to
run from 29 May 2003.
12-13 March 2008
Oral arguments before the Appeals Chamber.
28 May 2008
The Appeals Chamber, by a majority, overturns Kondewa's conviction on Count
8 (enlistment of child soldiers, and convictions for both Fofana and Kondewa
on Count 7 (collective punishments). The majority of the Judges entered new
convictions on Counts 1 and 3. The majority sustained convictions on Counts
2 and 4 and increased the sentences. Fofana is now sentenced to a total of
15 years and Kondewa has been given a 20 year sentence.