The trial in the case The Prosecutor v. Mahamat Said Abdel Kani has entered its final stages following the Closing Statements which took place before Trial Chamber VI of the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "Court") from 25 to 26 November 2025. During the Closing Statements, the Prosecution, the Legal Representative of Victims and the Defence presented their final arguments.
ICC Trial Chamber VI, composed of Judge Miatta Maria Samba (Presiding Judge), Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera, Judge Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godínez and Judge Keebong Paek (Alternate Judge), will now deliberate on the proceedings and, within a reasonable period of time, pronounce its decision on conviction or acquittal pursuant to article 74 of the Rome Statute. The Chamber bases its decision only on the applicable law and on evidence submitted and discussed before it at trial.
As a former alleged Seleka commander, Mr Said is accused of crimes against humanity (imprisonment or other severe deprivation of liberty; torture; persecution and other inhumane acts) and war crimes (torture; cruel treatment and outrages upon personal dignity) allegedly committed at the Office Central de Répression du Banditisme ('OCRB') in Bangui (Central African Republic) in 2013.
The trial in this case opened on 26 September 2022. The Prosecution concluded its presentation of evidence on 15 November 2024, the Chamber having heard the testimony of 58 Prosecution witnesses. On 17 March 2025, the Defence called its first witness and concluded its presentation of evidence on 2 September 2025. On 25 September 2025, the Prosecution and Legal Representative of Victims submitted their Closing Briefs. On 11 November 2025, the Defence submitted its Closing Brief. Public redacted versions of both the Prosecution's and the Defence's Closing Brief will be published in due course.
Over the course of 130 trial hearings, the Chamber heard 58 witnesses called by the Prosecution and 3 witnesses called by the Defence. Throughout the trial, the Judges ensured that the rights guaranteed by the Rome Statute to each of the parties were respected, including the right to question witnesses.
32 victims represented by their legal counsel Sarah Pellet, have been granted the right to participate in the proceedings. They have expressed their position on matters heard before the Chamber and were authorised to examine witnesses on specific issues.
The total case record, consisting of filings of the parties and participants and decisions by the Chamber, currently includes more than 890 public records.
For further information on the case, click here.
