Ruto seeks to waive right to appear before ICC

By Standard Digital Reporter

Nairobi, Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto has applied to the International Criminal Court, to be allowed to waive his right to be present in person during the court proceedings.

Ruto wants to be allowed to be considered present at trial via video link.

The deputy president however says he will be present during the opening and closing of trial.

“The Defence proposes that Mr. Ruto be permitted to attend the opening and closing of trial, judgement and any and all hearings at which his attendance is expressly requested by the Honourable Trial Chamber and any other sessions he may choose to attend,” reads a statement form the ICC.

Ruto’s defence in the statement submitted by his lead counsel Karim A. A. Khan, states that the country’s changed situation have been considered.

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“Granting the request would enable the Court to strike the correct balance in this unprecedented situation by allowing not only the trial but the governance of Kenya to continue unimpeded,” read the statement.

Ruto's trial at The Hague is set to begin on May 28 after unsuccessful request to have it postponed.