Suspects obstructing probe, says Bensouda

By Felix Olick

KENYA: International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has warned of numerous attempts by Kenyan suspects to interfere with their investigations.

She said her office has notified the Chamber on several occasions of systematic attempts by the accused and their associates to identify and approach those co-operating with the court’s investigation.

She said the relevance of the incidents would help the judges understand the unique pressure on her witnesses, which will in turn assist the Chamber in assessing their trial testimony.

“The Prosecution has notified the Chamber on several occasions of systematic attempts by the accused and their associates to identify and approach those co-operating with ICC investigation,” Ms Bensouda said in her observations ahead of the pre-status conference on February 14.

In the submission dated Wednesday, the prosecutor reiterated she reserves the right to request the Chamber to issue warrants of arrest against the suspects.

She said such a warrant could be issued should the accused violate conditions of their summonses, including attending trial.

“The prosecution reserves the right to request the Chamber under Articles 58 and 64(6)(a) of the Statute and Rule 119(4) of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence for warrants of arrest,” she said.