ICC orders Ksh.1B compensation for victims of Malian war criminal

The International Criminal Court on Tuesday ordered $8.5 million in compensation to be paid to victims of the Malian former jihadist leader Al Hassan, who was found guilty in 2024 of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The court said it had awarded "collective community-based reparations ... focused on rehabilitation" and "symbolic and satisfaction measures" to 65,202 victims.

"The Chamber assessed Mr Al Hassan's liability for reparations at approximately 7,250,000 euros, equivalent to 4,755,688,250 CFA francs," said presiding judge Kimberley Prost.

Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud, known as Al Hassan, was a member of Ansar Dine, one of a number of jihadist groups that seized control of Timbuktu between April 2012 and January 2013.

The 48-year-old Islamic police chief was found guilty of three counts of crimes against humanity and five of war crimes in 2024, including flogging, amputation of a hand and torture, and was jailed for 10 years.

He listened impassively to the reparations order, dressed in an ochre robe and a traditional white scarf.

The collective rehabilitation measures ordered by the ICC, which sits in The Hague, will include "socio-economic support, educational programmes or trainings, and psychological support", a statement read.

Those who suffered torture and other acts of mutilation will receive individualised rehabilitation programmes, it added.

Women and girls "suffered particular moral and material harm as a result of the crime of persecution", which had to be reflected in the implementation of reparations, it went on.

"Due to Mr Al Hassan's financial situation, the reparations will be implemented through the Trust Fund for Victims," the court said, urging countries, organisations, businesses and individuals to contribute.

Al Hassan was acquitted of the war crimes of rape and sexual slavery, as well as forced marriage, which is a crime against humanity.

The former jihadist leader was arrested by the Malian authorities and sent to The Hague in March 2018.

He is due for release in March next year instead of 2028, as the court ruled in July last year that a reduction was "in the interests of justice" because he had waived his right to appeal the verdict and sentence.