The cross-examination by Jean-Pierre Bemba’s defense counsel of a former Movement for the Liberation of Congo (MLC) insider this afternoon continued in closed session.

‘Witness 33’ started testifying in the trial presided over by Judge Sylvia Steiner last Thursday. Under questioning by the prosecution, some of his evidence was heard in open court. Most of this week, however, the legal representatives of victims participating in the trial and the accused’s defense have mainly questioned the witness in closed session.

‘Witness 33’ is one of the 13 insider witnesses the prosecution stated in its opening statement that it would call “to testify about the activities of the MLC.”

Mr. Bemba is on trial at the International Criminal Court for allegedly failing to stop or punish his MLC soldiers as they raped, murdered, and plundered the civilian population of the Central African Republic (CAR) during 2002-2003.

Hearings in the trial continue next Monday.