Today, 23 September 2026, Trial Chamber VI of the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "the Court") found Mahamat Said Abdel Kani guilty of crimes against humanity committed in Central African Republic in 2013.
After analyzing the evidence submitted at trial, the judges found Mr Said guilty beyond any reasonable doubt for the crimes against humanity of imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, persecution and other inhumane acts. These crimes were committed at the Office Central de Répression du Banditisme ('OCRB') in Bangui (Central African Republic) between 12 April and 30 August 2013. The Chamber found that, in light of his role and functions as the Seleka commander in charge of the OCRB, Mr Said acted with the necessary intent and knowledge, and convicted him as a direct co-perpetrator of these crimes. The Chamber did not find Mr Said guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the war crimes of torture, cruel treatment, and outrages upon personal dignity.
Delivering the judgment, the Presiding judge acknowledged the suffering and trauma of the victims of the incidents who testified about the long-lasting impact of the crimes on them, their families and their lives. The persons detained at the OCRB gave evidence that they continue to suffer physical and psychological harm as a result of their detention and abuse.
Next steps: The Defence and the Prosecution may appeal the verdict within 30 days. Following the verdict, the Chamber will decide on Mr Said's sentence. In a decision issued today, the judges announced the timeline for the sentencing proceedings. A reparations process will also begin, for the victims of the crimes for which Mr Said was convicted.
Background: The trial in this case opened on 26 September 2022. The Prosecution concluded its presentation of evidence on 15 November 2024. On 17 March 2025, the Defence called its first witness and concluded its presentation of evidence on 2 September 2025. The Prosecution, Legal Representative of Victims and Defence submitted their Closing Briefs. The trial's Closing Statements took place from 25-27 November 2025. Over the course of 130 trial hearings, the Chamber heard 58 witnesses called by the Prosecution and 3 witnesses called by the Defence. A total of 3,863 items of evidence were recognised as formally submitted into evidence. 32 victims represented by their legal counsel Sarah Pellet, have been granted the right to participate in the proceedings. Throughout the trial, the Judges ensured that the rights guaranteed by the Rome Statute to each of the parties were respected. 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).
For further information on this case, check here.
Trial Judgment
Non-authoritative summary of the verdict read in Court
Questions and Answers on the verdict: English; Français; Sango
Photographs of the hearing
Audio-visual materials:
Verdict in the Said case, full hearing, 23 September 2026
- YouTube (for viewing): English; Français; Sango
- Video (MPEG-4) for download: English; Français; Sango
- Audio (MPEG-3) for download: English; Français; Sango
