Sudanese Rebel Leaders Appear Before International Criminal Court

On Thursday, two Sudanese rebel leaders appeared before the International Criminal Court for their involvement in the killing of peacekeepers in Darfur. They also urged others to come forward to clear their names.

[Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain, Rebel Leader]:
"I came here voluntarily in response to the summons by the ICC and I call upon everyone who has been summoned by this court to come here to exonerate themselves. And I thank this court and for everything they have given to me to enable me to come here."

[Saleh Mohammed Jerbo Jamus, Rebel Leader]:
"We are here to achieve justice and I call on everyone who is wanted for justice to come to appear before this court."

The rebel leaders are suspected of committing murder, intentionally directing attacks and pillaging in a September 2007 attack in Haskanita, where 12 African Union peacekeepers were killed. 

The tribunal hearing is being held so that judges can determine whether there is enough evidence to press charges and go forward with a trial.  
          
The ICC is investigating both sides of the Darfur conflict.