Disruption of International Criminal Court Systems After Cyber Attack

Sources and lawyers working at the International Criminal Court (ICC) revealed to Reuters on Thursday that the court is operating under severe restrictions on its digital systems following a cyber breach. Two lawyers from the court and a close source indicated that the court disconnected most of its internet-connected systems, and staff members cannot access email, with those working remotely unable to access documents. The court, based in The Hague, Netherlands, first announced a "cybersecurity incident" on Tuesday, stating that it is trying to ensure the continuation of the court's "core functions." Today, hearings resumed in the trial of two men accused of leading militias that attacked Muslim civilians in the Central African Republic. Lawyer Geert-Jan Knops, representing one of the suspects, Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, told Reuters, “As the defense team, we have limited access to the court's systems.” Alfred Yekatom's lawyer, Melin Dmitri, indicated to Reuters that she is exchanging information with other parties using portable storage devices and paper files. This means delivering information personally from office to office, as the electronic file sharing and email systems usually in operation at the court are down.