Former Congolese Vice President, Jean- Pierre Bemba, has been given a sentence of 12 months imprisonment and a 300,000 Euro, that is KSh35 Million, fine by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Hague.
The former leader has been sentenced for bribing witnesses during his previous trial over possible war- crimes and crimes against humanity.
“The chamber sentences Mr Bemba to a total of 12 months of imprisonment. After deduction of time he previously spent in detention the chamber considers his time of imprisonment as served,” judge Bertram Schmitt said.
The Judge said the ruling would set a precedence to consequences of obstructing the administration of justice.
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Mr Bemba will however not serve jail time, after serving time when he was found guilty of war crimes case in 2016. He had also been in ICC detention since 2008 but was acquitted on appeal in June.
Before his first acquital, ICC appeal judges had then ruled that the sentences of up to two-and-half years were low and sent the case back for re-sentencing but Judge Schmitt said that maximum prison sentences are not necessary.
“The chamber considers that the penalties it imposes during re-sentencing are proportionate, relative to the seriousness of the offences in this case,” the judge said.
Jean- Pierre Bemba’s sentence now stops him from participating in any political activities in DRC as per DRC laws which prevents those found guilty of corruption from running for presidency.
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