Fatou Bensouda suggests three-week sessions in William Ruto trial

Deputy President William Ruto. (Photo:File/Standard)

By Standard Digital Reporter

Nairobi, Kenya: International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Fatou Bensouda Monday said the court welcomes Deputy President William Ruto’s request to fragment trial sittings.

Ruto’s defence had submitted a request seeking to have two week breaks between each session of a similar duration.

The prosecutor, in response said that the court was not opposed to the request and suggested three-weeks on three-weeks off cycle.

“…the Prosecution believes that three week sessions are a more appropriate solution as they will encourage efficiency and judicial economy,” said Bensouda in a statement.

The prosecutor said, while the request is valid, the breaks should not start before witnesses who are on the stand have completed their testimony.

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“As a principle, the Prosecution submits that the Chamber should strive to avoid situations where witnesses are forced to remain in The Hague for a lengthy period of time, away from their family and their professional activities, until their testimony can be completed,” she said.

Bensouda says adopting the two week sessions suggested by the Ruto Defence would mean that some witnesses would have their evidence interrupted, or result to time wastage.

She added that “the Prosecution considers that three week sessions, extended if necessary, could allow for two witnesses to complete their testimonies.”