Relocation Issues of Released and Acquitted at International Criminal Courts and Tribunals

The study of the treatment of released and acquitted persons by international courts and tribunals (ICTs) has been one of the most neglected aspects of international criminal justice. The system rests on the cooperation of states with the ICTs. However, this cooperation when it exists, often ceases when the trial has ended. Regarding the objective of delivering justice, states appear to have either forgotten or refused to accept that both acquittals and the eventual release of convicted individuals are part of the process of criminal justice. Even states committed to international justice have denied protection against extradition to unsafe countries for acquitted and released persons, or declined to become host countries, grant asylum requests or take any steps to offer these former defendants and convicted persons a dignified life. This article explores the international legal frameworks applicable to the relocation of persons released or acquitted by ICTs. It specifically looks into the cases of the ad hoc tribunals and the International Criminal Court (ICC), the states parties’ general obligation under the statutes and rules to cooperate with the ICTs, and relevant principles of refugee law. The article explores some of the most recent issues relating to relocation that have shaken international criminal justice. At the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the recent striking failure to obtain the relocation of nine acquitted and released persons is examined as an emblematic and appalling example of the violation of these persons’ fundamental human rights, and the refusal of the international community to pursue justice in all its aspects. At the ICC, important issues of relocation have already arisen for acquitted and released persons, and the Court will urgently need agreements in this area. Importantly, it is necessary to recognize that, to protect the rights of these former defendants, the practical work of defence lawyers continues long after their clients’ release.