20.09.14 - ICC/KENYATTA – ICC SUMMONS KENYAN PRESIDENT TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COURT

 Arusha, September 20, 2014 (FH) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday summoned Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to appear before the court on October 8 in preparation for his crimes against humanity trial, which has been postponed several times. 

0 min 46Approximate reading time

The hearing will focus notably on the “status of cooperation between the Prosecution and the Kenyan Government”, according to an ICC press release. ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda accuses the Kenyan government of failing to produce key documents she has requested.

In the same decision, the ICC again postponed the trial, which had been due to start on October 7, and ordered a representative of the Kenyan government (but not necessarily Kenyatta) to be present that day for the same two-day status conference.

Kenyatta is accused of crimes against humanity committed in post-election violence in his country in 2007-2008. He protests his innocence.

The trial was originally due to start in February but has now been postponed for the third time at the Prosecutor’s request.

In her latest request on September 5, she said she still did not have enough evidence and accused the Kenyan government of failing to provide documents requested in April.

The defence has called for the case to be dropped for lack of evidence.

ER/ JC