ICC acquits Congo ex-militia boss Ngudjolo Chui on appeal

Congolese ex-militia boss Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui smiles as he listens to the verdict on his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on December 18, 2012. By Robin van Lonkhuijsen (ANP/AFP/File)

The Hague (AFP) - The International Criminal Court on Friday upheld the acquittal of Congolese ex-militia leader Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui, freed more than two years ago on war crimes charges.

"The Appeals Chamber by majority confirms the acquittal and rejects the (prosecution's) appeal," Judge Sanji Mmasenono Monageng told the Hague-based ICC, the world's only permanent war crimes tribunal.