ICC prosecutor to travel to Kenya to lead probe into political violence
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Luis Moreno-Ocampo will travel to Kenya next weekend to start investigations into the violence that broke out in the east African country following the 2007 general elections, and to meet with some of those directly affected by the unrest.
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Luis Moreno-Ocampo will travel to Kenya next weekend to start investigations into the violence that broke out in the east African country following the 2007 general elections, and to meet with some of those directly affected by the unrest.
“As promised, I will meet the victims, listen to them, understand their views and concerns,” Mr. Moreno-Ocampo said of his five-day trip, which begins on Saturday. “We will investigate the crimes, protecting the victims and respecting the rights of the suspects. We will follow the evidence, and we will prosecute those most responsible,” he said in a statement issued by the ICC.
The prosecutor intends to meet with representatives of all segments of Kenyan society, notably with civil society and women's groups, the business community, religious leaders, and the media, including community, local and regional radio stations.
He will visit communities in some of the areas affected by the post-election violence. Similar visits to other affected areas outside the capital, Nairobi, will follow on his next visit to Kenya later this year.
Those who wish to share their views with the Prosecutor or would like to pass on information related to the violence to him will have a chance to do so, including those who have reasons to believe they may be subject to investigations or prosecution, the ICC said.
Mr. Moreno-Ocampo will also participate in a town hall event focusing on the theme of justice and reconciliation. He will answer questions and explain the ICC process now that the investigation has been authorized by ICC judges.
“The whole international community is with the Kenyans. All Kenyans must come together and use the law and justice as a basis for their common future. The common goal is to ensure there is no repeat of violence in the 2012 elections,” Mr. Moreno-Ocampo said.
An estimated 1,300 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in the weeks after the results of general elections held at the end of December on 2007 were disputed, sparking intra-communal unrest.
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan brokered a political settlement that resulted in the formation of a coalition Government by the rival political parties in 2008.