Human Rights groups concerned over International Criminal Court witnesses withdrawal

By Roselyne Obala in Geneva, Switzerland

Human Rights groups have expressed concern at the rate in which International Criminal Court (ICC) witnesses are withdrawing their statements against Kenyans suspects.

World Orgnisation Against Torture (OMCT) an umbrella body of global organizations of civil societies working against torture noted that the move is indeed worrying.

“Our concern is what is happening with witnesses in the Kenyan case.  This shows that the protection of witnesses in the country is yet to be enforced,” said Gerald Staberock, the secretary general of the organisation.

He continued, “The success of the case of crimes against humanity charges facing three Kenyans largely depend on the witness accounts and evidence presented in court.”

Mr Staberock stressed that it’s the government’s responsibility to ensure a credible witness protection unit is established to guarantee their safety.

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‘The witnesses are part of the ICC process to ensure Kenyans get justice,” acknowledged the official.

Staberock, who speak while addressing Kenya and Guatemala journalists in Geneva, Switzerland admitted that witnesses are very crucial in the ICC case and called for consulted efforts to ensure they are protected.

He noted that journalists on the ICC beat should also be protected by the government.

“Threats to journalist should not be taken lightly; it’s a human rights violation. Press men and women need all the necessary support to disseminate information the public,” he added.

He continued, “ The ICC process is underway and this calls for continuous engagement by ensuring the rule of law is upheld.”

Staberock said for Kenyans to get justice, they must strive to offer the necessary assistance to all the major plays until the case comes to its logical conclusion.

“Kenya is a charge political country, the citizenry need to get in updates in the right context as they happen,” he said.

Staberock spoke after two suspects retracted their statements against Deputy President William Ruto who is at The Hague for the status conference.

Others suspects includes President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Radio presenter Joshua Arap Sang.

He stressed that many Kenyans are eager to see justice done to victims of post-election violence.