The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) yesterday started its 39th Ordinary Session of the Judges to run until 20 November, 2015 at its seat in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania.

The Judges, among others, will deliberate on over 30 applications and requests for Advisory Opinions.

On 20 November, the Court will deliver judgement in Application 005/2013 (Alex Thomas versus the United Republic of Tanzania).

Mr Thomas, who has been imprisoned for 30 years for robbery, is seeking from the African Court remedies, among others, on alleged wrongful conviction and unfair trail he received in his native Tanzania in 1998 and which was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2009.

Immediately after the 39th Ordinary Session, the Court will commence its 7th Extra-Ordinary Session from 23-27 dedicated to the review of the Rules of Court.

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

The Court is composed of eleven judges, nationals of member states of the African Union elected in their individual capacity.
The Court meets four times a year in Ordinary Sessions.   The Extra-ordinary Sessions are convened by the President or at the request of a majority of the Members of the Court.
Up to 31 October, 2015 the Court had received 59 individual applications of which 21 have been finalized. Four applications have been transferred to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Further information can be obtained from the Court’s website at www.african-court.org.