By Ruth Anderah
International Criminal Court (ICC) Registrar Herman Von Hebel has given assurance on witness protection ahead of the trial of former LRA Commander Dominic Ongwen that kicks off tomorrow.
Addressing journalists in Kampala this morning, Hebel said that through the government of Uganda, they have already instructed all the local leaders in Gulu district to provide adequate protection of witnesses.
He says over 4000 victims are expected to participate in the trial as witnesses.
He adds that all the required documentation is ready and that the prosecutors and defense lawyers were given enough time to prepare.
A panel of three ICC judges led by Bertram Schmitt will tomorrow begin hearing the case against Dominic Ongwen, who is facing 70 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Tomorrow’s televised trial of Ongwen, one of five top LRA commanders indicted in 2005, comes two years since his arrest and transfer to the ICC.