ICC convicts leader of Sudan militia for Darfur war crimes

The international criminal court has convicted a leader of the Janjaweed militia of playing a leading role in a campaign of atrocities committed in the western Sudanese region of Darfur more than 20 years ago.

- Guardian staff

It was the first time the court had convicted a suspect of crimes in Darfur. The court ruled that the atrocities, including mass murders and rapes, were part of a government plan to snuff out a rebellion.

Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman, also known by the nom de guerre Ali Kushayb, showed no emotion as the presiding judge, Joanna Korner, read out 27 guilty verdicts.

"The chamber is convinced that the accused is guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crimes with which he has been charged," said Korner. She added that sentencing would take place at a later date.

Korner detailed harrowing accounts of gang rapes, abuse and mass killing. She said that on one occasion, Abd-al-Rahman loaded about 50 civilians on to trucks, beating some with axes, before making them lie on the ground and ordering his troops to shoot them dead.