The Special Panel for Serious Crimes convicts eight Aitarak militia members

On 25 November 2004, the Special Panel for Serious Crimes convicted and sentenced eight members of the Aitarak Militia. The convicted persons were found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to between 5 years and 6 years and 8 months imprisonment. The trial was presided by Judge Maria Natersia Pereira and the two other panel judges were Judge Rapoza and Judge Schmid.

The Special Panel held all accused guilty of crimes against humanity: torture and four of the accused were also found guilty of crimes against humanity: persecution toward Sebastiaon Qusmao and Thomas Ximenes in Akanunu, Hera on the 8 May 1999.

In considering sentence, the Special Panel referred to a number of aggravating circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime, including the fact that the victims were tied and surrounded by the militia so that the victims could not defend themselves. The Special Panel also considered the mitigating factors that the members were acting on orders from their commanders, and that they also claimed to be members
of Clandestine.

In addition to the punishment of detention the Special Panel for Serious Crimes ordered that each accused must pay $10 for court costs. Their sentence was effective immediately on the 25 November 2004.

This decision was read by Judge Maria Natersia Pereira, and translated, in the open court for the accused and their families to understand the decisionand sentence of the court.

The final written decision will be handed down on 6 December 2004 at 4pm.

ENDS/