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ICC Orders Release of Congolese Warlord


The International Criminal Court has ordered the release of former Congolese militia leader Thomas Lubanga following a delay in his trial.

Prosecutors have been given five days to appeal his release.

Lubanga is accused of using child soldiers in clashes involving his Union of Congolese Patriots militia during 2002 and 2003 in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri district.

Lubanga's trial was suspended last month after the court ruled that prosecutors inhibited his defense team by refusing to share documents that could help establish his innocence.

Some four million people were killed in conflict or by disease and hunger during Congo's civil war from 1998 to 2003. Militia and rebel groups continue to be active in parts of eastern Congo, mainly North Kivu province.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.

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