ICC Convicts Seleka Commander of 2013 Central African Republic Torture Crimes
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has convicted Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, a former Seleka militia commander, of crimes against humanity for his role in operating a detention facility in Bangui during the 2013 Central African Republic civil war. Judges ruled that he oversaw systematic torture, including waterboarding and a binding method known as 'Arbatacher', against supporters of former President Francois Bozize. While convicted on these charges, Abdel Kani was acquitted of three war crimes counts because the armed conflict had technically ended when those specific acts occurred. A separate hearing will determine his sentence. This marks the first conviction of a Seleka member by the ICC, following previous convictions of anti-Balaka leaders.