United Nations Radio

The International Criminal Court has ordered the release of the first-ever war crimes suspect to face trial before it, Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga.

The judges said Lubanga could not be guaranteed a fair trial as prosecutors had withheld evidence from the defense.

The head of Public Information at the ICC, Sonia Robla, says the decision of the judges was the logical conclusion to a stay on the proceedings imposed two weeks ago.

"This does not mean that the charges have been withdrawn. The case is still not closed. It is just a stay and as a consequence the release was ordered yesterday."

Ms. Robla says this does not mean Lubanga will be released immediately.

She says prosecutors immediately launched an appeal and urged the court not to free the former Congolese militia leader.

He will remain in custody for at least five days while the court decides what to do next.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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