The Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta’s bids to halt his trail on crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court were rejected by judges today.
Kenyatta’s accusations that witnesses had colluded to mislead the court, were dismissed as ‘not serious enough to prejudice proceedings’ by the court. Deeming a halt in proceedings unnecessary, judges further outlined that Kenyatta’s defence team could challenge the witness evidence in court.
Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto face charges of instigating ethnic violence and crimes against humanity after the nation’s 2007 elections.
The ICC has faced strong criticism from African nations regarding the high level of African diplomats facing trial at the court.
Despite several attempts to delay the tribunal the recent court conclusions reiterate the ICC’s intention to continue the tribunal despite mounting opposition.
Speaking at the Hague Kenyan Foreign Minister, Amina Mohamed, said,
Kenyatta’s accusations that witnesses had colluded to mislead the court, were dismissed as ‘not serious enough to prejudice proceedings’ by the court. Deeming a halt in proceedings unnecessary, judges further outlined that Kenyatta’s defence team could challenge the witness evidence in court.
Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto face charges of instigating ethnic violence and crimes against humanity after the nation’s 2007 elections.
The ICC has faced strong criticism from African nations regarding the high level of African diplomats facing trial at the court.
Despite several attempts to delay the tribunal the recent court conclusions reiterate the ICC’s intention to continue the tribunal despite mounting opposition.
Speaking at the Hague Kenyan Foreign Minister, Amina Mohamed, said,
“They’re treating us like toddlers.”Kenyan officials were also unsuccessful with a recent push at the U.N Security Council to delay the ICC tribunal.
“This is a good time to think about the relationship between Africa and the international community. Not just Africa and the ICC.”