Int'l court confirms charges for 1st trial

The International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled yesterday there was enough evidence against a Congolese militiaman to launch the new court's first trial.

The decision to confirm charges and pave the way for a trial against Thomas Lubanga, accused of recruiting child soldiers, is a major landmark for the ICC, set up as the first permanent global war crimes court in 2002.

"The chamber confirms the charges brought by the prosecution," Judge Claude Jorda told the court. "Thomas Lubanga Dyilo should be committed for trial."