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Ongwen, a former commander in Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), is accused of horrific acts against civilians and fellow combatants. The prosecutors highlighted his role in a range of crimes, while the defense presented Ongwen’s abduction as a child soldier at the age of nine as a crucial aspect to consider.
The Defense’s Stance
Ongwen's legal team argues that he became both a victim and a perpetrator. Having been forcibly abducted, indoctrinated, and transformed into a soldier, they contend that his actions were a result of coercive circumstances and survival instincts. The defense emphasizes the cultural context of Uganda, stating that Western perceptions often overlook significant sociocultural dynamics.