Sang objects to recalling of two International Criminal Court witnesses

By WAHOME THUKU

Radio journalist Joshua Sang opposed an application by the prosecution to recall two witnesses and add three new ones to replace those who had developed cold feet.

Sang also urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to fix the commencement of his trial in November.

Further, he asked the court to reject a request by the prosecution that he be constrained on the kind of questions to ask the case investigator whom the defence has asked he be called to testify.

The journalist made the submissions during a status conference at the ICC in The Hague, through his lawyer Katwa Kigen. The proceedings were also attended by his co-accused, Deputy President William Ruto who also addressed the Trial Chamber V.

Sang accused the prosecution of failing to keep their bargain in disclosing documents and evidence. “The prosecution is not accountable in manner of disclosure,” Kigen said.

He said evidence reported from an expert witness in June 2010 had only been disclosed to them in April this year. The witness’s evidence is on what was broadcast by Sang on Kass FM ahead of the 2007 post-election violence.

Sang objected to application by the prosecution to recall two witnesses saying the prosecution had been asked to decide on their security or to withdraw them.

The lawyer said two new witnesses were to be called as substitute to others who had said they were not willing to testify on falsehoods. He warned the judges against “protecting the prosecution.”