ICC LOOKS FOR DEPUTY PROSECUTOR DESPITE US THREATS

APPLICATIONS ARE being invited for the position of Deputy Prosecutor, to head the Investigation Department of the International Criminal Court, even as the United States of America threatens to stop military aid to countries that support the international court, which was set up to prosecute crimes against humanity and war crimes. A second post for Deputy Prosecutor of the Prosecution Division will be advertised sometime next year.

Prosecutor of the ICC yesterday announced that nominations or applications are being invited from interested persons to fill the post. Applications for this position must be filled by the applicant and do not need the sponsorship of any states or organisations. Deadline date is July 20. On July 1, the United States declared their intention to suspend more than 47 million dollars in military aid to 35 countries if  they failed or refused to give US citizens immunity from the tribunal. The suspension by the United States is expected to affect six CARICOM countries including Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda. State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said, “our hope is to continue to work with governments to secure and ratify Article 98 agreements and protect American servicemen from arbitrary or political prosecution by the international court.”

The United States launched a worldwide campaign to get immunity deals signed, because it (the US) feared that the court would be used as a forum for politically motivated prosecutions against US citizens. Even as the US continues their campaign, the ICC yesterday continued its worldwide advertisements to invite applicants to fill the vacant position. The Prosecutor of the ICC stated that the position was being widely advertised because they wanted to attract applications from the best possible candidates representing many different nationalities, regions and legal systems. The release explained that relevant associations and organisations are also encouraged to cooperate in the search for a suitable candidate for the position. The candidate must have extensive experience in the investigation of crimes similar to those under the ICC’s jurisdiction or other types of organised crime such as terrorism or drug trafficking.

Applications sent to the ICC will be short listed by the Prosecutor and an advisory panel of prominent persons experienced in international criminal justice, to include the most suitable candidates in accordance with the Statute. The leading candidates will then be interviewed by the Chief Prosecutor. The final list of three candidates will then be sent to the Assembly of States Parties, who will select one person to fill the position. The successful candidate will be required to interact with national police and other relevant national authorities, inter-governmental bodies and other organisations at all stages of the preliminary examination and investigation, for which he is directly responsible. In addition the person will be required to provide strategic advice with relation to the investigation to the Chief Prosecutor.