Passing of Mr Nkwebe Liriss, Lead Counsel of Jean-Pierre Bemba

It is with great sadness that the International Criminal Court (ICC) informs you of the passing of Mr Nkwebe Liriss, Lead Counsel of Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo’s Defence team. He passed away in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) on 26 February 2012, after a long illness.

“Mr Nkwebe Liriss’s death is an enormous loss to the Court. His sharp legal acumen and dedication made him a highly accomplished jurist. While missing his contributions, the ICC Registry will continue to offer all necessary support to the team that he was leading in order to guarantee a high-level legal representation of Mr Bemba,” said Silvana Arbia, Registrar of the ICC.

Mr Liriss was a National of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and was appointed by Mr Bemba to lead the Defence team since 30 July 2008.

Messages of condolence can be sent to his family and colleagues, on the following email: [email protected].

For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: [email protected].

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