Obligation to make findings on superior responsibility

Notion(s) Filing Case
Appeal Judgement - 28.09.2011 SETAKO Ephrem
(ICTR-04-81-A)

266. The Appeals Chamber recalls that it is inappropriate to convict an accused for a specific count under both Article 6(1) and Article 6(3) of the Statute.[1] When, for the same count and the same set of facts, the accused’s responsibility is pleaded pursuant to both provisions and the accused could be found liable under both, the Trial Chamber should enter a conviction on the basis of Article 6(1) of the Statute alone and consider the superior position of the accused as an aggravating factor in sentencing.[2] The Trial Chamber correctly recalled these principles.[3]

268. The Appeals Chamber finds that, since the Amended Indictment charged Setako cumulatively under Articles 6(1) and 6(3) of the Statute, the Trial Chamber was required to make a finding as to whether Setako incurred superior responsibility for the purpose of sentencing. The Trial Chamber’s failure to make such a finding constituted an error of law. […]

[1] Renzaho Appeal Judgement, para. 564; Nahimana et al. Appeal Judgement, para. 487.

[2] Renzaho Appeal Judgement, para. 564; Nahimana et al. Appeal Judgement, para. 487.

[3] Trial Judgement, para. 474. 

Download full document
ICTR Statute Article 6(1) ICTY Statute Article 7(1)