Thursday, December 11, 2014

President Kenyatta and the ICC

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) published on 9 December 2014 commentary titled "THINK AGAIN: How to Beat the ICC - Lessons from the Kenyatta Case" by Simon Allison of ISS.

After the ICC withdrew charges, but did not acquit Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, the author concluded that the result was a devastating blow to the credibility of the prosecution and the ICC.  The outcome was reportedly ensured by a sustained campaign of intimidation against witnesses.  Allison argues the most damaging aspect of the collapse of the case is that Kenyatta has demonstrated to others how to beat ICC charges. 

The ICC prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, of the case against President Kenyatta issued a statement on 5 December 2014 that tends to support the argument made by Allison.