Some remarks on the probative value assigned to the reports of non-govermental organizations in the jurisprudence of the international court in the light of ‘Gbagbo and Blé Goudé’ case

Abstract

Between June 22 and 24, 2020, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court held the appeal hearings in the Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé case. In them, the parties made their observations regarding the alleged error made by the Trial Chamber I in the acquittal pronouncement in failing to apply a clearly defined standard of proof or to sufficiently assess the available evidence, including the reports from non-governmental organizations. In the light of the debate originated in this case, this paper analyse the probative value assigned to these reports in the jurisprudence of the ICC. Also, it is analysed whether the admission of these reports goes against the rights of the accused.