WKSU News: Case prof helps Uganda figure out what to do with Joseph Kony

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 Case prof helps Uganda figure out what to do with Joseph Kony As forces close in on Lords Resistance leader, Uganda develops legal system for his trial by WKSU's M.L. SCHULTZE	Web Editor M.L. Schultze

Case Western Reserve international law professor Michael Scharf is working on two human rights fronts: Uganda and Cambodia.

Courtesy of M.L. Schultze

Much of Central Africa's attention right now is focused on capturing Joseph Kony. But Uganda is looking beyond the capture of the man accused of orchestrating two decades of death and terror. It's setting up the legal system that will determine happens to Kony. And it is doing that with the help of a Case Western Reserve University professor. WKSU's M.L. Schultze talks with Michael Scharf about what's taking shape as the latest of the world's war crimes tribunals.

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Cambodia (Khmer Rouge)

Former leader of Khmer Rouge party, Kaing Guek Eav, arrested and charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity in 2007 for his role in the genocide that took place from 1975-1979, including running the infamous Tuol Sleng (S-21) prison in Phnom Phen. Trial continues and at least four others are currently being sought to face charges. Former Chairman of the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot, died on April 15, 1998 while under house arrest.

Kosovo (Slobodan Milosevic)

Former President of Yugoslavia, accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and violations of the Geneva Convention during the Kosovo War (1998-1999). Milosevic died in his cell at The Hauge on March 11, 2006 before the completion of his trial. Another of the indicted was apprehended on July 21, 2008 in Serbia. Radovan Karadži? is currently in pre-trial proceedings.

Iraq

Former President of Iraq and seven others charged with war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide for their role in the killing of 148 Shiites from Dujail in retaliation for a failed assassination attempt on July 8, 1982. Found guilty on November 5, 2006 and sentenced to death by hanging. Executed on December 30, 2006. Three other defendants were also sentenced to death.

Uganda

Former leader of Khmer Rouge party, Kaing Guek Eav, arrested and charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity in 2007 for his role in the genocide that took place from 1975-1979, including running the infamous Tuol Sleng (S-21) prison in Phnom Phen. Trial continues and at least four others are currently being sought to face charges. Former Chairman of the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot, died on April 15, 1998 while under house arrest.

Charles Taylor & Sierra Leone

Former president of Liberia, Taylor is charged with 650 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges stem from his actions in suppressing opposition in Liberia and his support of rebels during the civil war in Sierra Leone (1991-2002) Eleven other rebel leaders have been put on trial for crimes against humanity during the civil war. Three remain on trial, two still await judgment, one died in captivity in 2007, and five await their verdict which will be read on February 25.

Rwanda

Numerous leaders of ethnic Hutu decent have been charged and tried for crimes against humanity in the 1994 genocide of Rwandan Tutsis. Most estimates indicate a death toll of 800,000 to 1 million people. Of the cases before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, 29 defendants have been found guilty, 23 cases remain in progress, seven cases stand on appeal, five defendants were acquitted, and another eight are still awaiting trial.