International Criminal Court Praises Guinea‘s Conviction in 2009 Attacks
Conakry, Guinea – August 1, 2024 – The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) welcomed the verdict delivered by the Criminal Court of the Court of First Instance of Dixinn in Conakry, Guinea, on July 31, 2024. The verdict convicted those responsible for the events of September 28, 2009, at the National Stadium in Conakry, which resulted in the deaths of 156-200 people and sexual violence against 109 women.
This verdict marks a significant step in establishing the truth and holding those accountable for the attacks. The involvement of former Guinean leaders underscores the importance of this judgment. The court has sent a clear message that no one is above the law and that perpetrators of crimes under the Rome Statute will be brought to justice.
The Prosecutor’s Office hopes this moment will bring a sense of justice and closure to the victims and their families. It also signifies a new chapter in the fight against impunity in Guinea.
The Office has supported the Guinean authorities in bringing the perpetrators to justice since the initiation of the proceedings. They express their hope that the Guinean government will continue to uphold the independence of the judiciary.
The ICC remains committed to supporting Guinea in its pursuit of justice and accountability.
This judgment is a testament to the importance of complementarity – the collaboration between the ICC and national justice systems – in addressing impunity. The Office is actively promoting such partnerships in various countries.
The Prosecutor’s Office congratulates the Republic of Guinea and its authorities on this important milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 2009 attacks.