Ruto waives appeal rights in Hague trial

PHOTO | VINCENT JANNINK | FILE This picture taken on September 5, 2011 shows the International Criminal Court's building (ICC) in The Hague.   AFP

By BERNARD NAMUNANE

In Summary

• Suspect says he won’t contest any decision made by ICC judges in his absence in court

Deputy President William Ruto has waived his right to appeal against any decision made by ICC judges in his absence.

This was after he waived his right to attend the entire proceedings after the judges granted his wishes to attend the opening and closing statements only.

“I hereby forego every complaint and every appeal against any natural consequence of my own voluntary absence from the courtroom as requested,” he said.

His personally signed waiver and a response by his lawyer Karim Khan to the majority decision by Trial Chamber judges has been filed at The Hague.

Wrote Mr Khan: “Mr Ruto, both in his personal capacity as well as in his official capacity as the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, encourages and urges all individuals, whether perceived supporters or opponents of him personally, to respect the rule of law and not, in any way, obstruct or interfere with the proper administration of justice.”

He also used the chance to hit out at groups, both in and outside Kenya, who he accuses of trying to influence the statements of trial witnesses.

The final decision, submitted Mr Khan, will be made by the judges on the basis of the evidence presented.

“No one should think dissuading witnesses from speaking the truth or enjoining witnesses to lie is acceptable. It is not and the ‘truth’ must be determined by the Judges of the ICC,” he wrote in the filing dated Monday.

The trial of Mr Ruto’s and his co-accused, Mr Joshua Sang, is expected to begin on September 10.

The two alongside President Kenyatta are facing charges of crimes against humanity arising from the 2007/8 post election violence which claimed over 1,133 lives.