The trial of DRC warlord Bosco Ntaganda (PRON: nnn-ta-gan-da) is drawing to a close in The Hague as the legal representatives deliver their closing statements.
It's seen as a vital case at the International Criminal Court after former Democratic Republic of Congo vice president Jean-Pierre Bemab was acquitted after 10 years in prison.
Our Europe correspondent Jack Parrock reports.
IN: "Showing little emotion ..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 2 mins 22 secs
SCRIPT
REPORTER VO:
Showing little emotion, Bosco Ntaganda listened to how his troops killed pregnant women with machetes and conducted a series of horrendous attacks against civilians in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002 and 2003.
<<Nicole Samson - Senior Trial Lawyer>>
"The truth is that Bosco Ntaganda did not engage in sincere peace initiatives and he knew exactly what his troops were doing at all times - because he planned, coordinated and ordered these attacks."
REPORTER VO:
The man known as the terminator has been on trial for over 4 years at the International Criminal Court on 13 charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The charges include forcing women into sexual slavery and enlisting child soldiers as well as brutal murders - over 800 people were slaughtered in the mineral-rich Ituri province during the timeframe of the case.
The defence is also to deliver its closing statements in this case - Mr Ntaganda insists he never attacked civilians but rather protected them. The panel of 3 judges will weigh the evidence over the coming months once the statements are completed.
For the prosecutor of the International Crimincal Court, a solid conviction in this case is of vital importance for her legacy.
That's after the ICC appeals chamber unexpectedly overturned the conviction of former DRC vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba.
Observers say it's time for the office of the prosecutor to reflect on how it brings a case to trial.
<<Niccolo Figa-Talamanca - No Peace Without Justice>>
"The prosecutor has had a streak of bad luck, or bad evidence depending on which way you look at it. And the Bemba acquittal coming on the heels of the previous withdrawal, dismissal of the cases against Kenyatta and against Ruto, I think the prosecutor has to get this right."
REPORTER VO:
Ntaganda brands himself a soldier and not a criminal but many of his own troops have testified against him during this trial.
The judges verdict is likely to come before the end of the year and could carry a sentence of up to 30 years.
Jack Parrock, Brussels
ENDS