Grapevine

Assessors ask court to convict former LRA commander Kwoyelo

Court assessors have asked Judges at the International Crimes Division of the High Court to convict the former commander of the rebel outfit, Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) Thomas Kwoyelo alias Latoni over war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Three assessors offered their opinions to the trial panel on Friday sitting at the Gulu High Court, a week after the court summed up all the laws and evidence in the case of Kwoyelo to them. The assessors, Franklin Odongkara, Daniel Ocen and Nighty Ajok have been taking part in the trial of Kwoyelo since their appointment in March 2019.

Kwoyelo is facing 78 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed between 1993 and 2005 in Kilak County, present-day Amuru District.

However, while rendering their opinions to the court, the assessors said they were convinced the prosecution had adduced enough evidence in 69 counts of charges against the suspect.

They told the court to disregard Kwoyelo’s defence alibi, find him guilty as charged and convict him accordingly on the 69 counts that relate to murder, kidnapping with intent to murder, pillaging, aggravated robbery, cruel treatment, enslavement, torture, rape, and outrages upon personal dignity.