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Archbishop Tutu argued that allowing Bashir in spoke volumes about South Africa's moral fabric, as it had on three occasions denied entry to the Dalai Lama. "In a moral world, Al-Bashir would have the opportunity to defend himself in a court to which all nations should be equally accountable, regardless of their power," Tutu said. The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in its statement said "if the world is to become a fairer, more compassionate, tolerant and peaceful place" it needed institutions like the ICC "to hold those who abuse power to account". The respected clergyman spoke about the integrity of The Hague-based court, saying the world "needs a criminal court where all are held equally to account, regardless of their nation's wealth, geographic location or particular history." The ICC has often come under fire from African presidents who accuse it of targeting leaders from the continent.SEE ALSO: We won't forget killings, vow protesters in Sudan a year on
The retired 83-year-old Tutu is regarded as South Africa's voice of reason and often speaks out against the failures of the post apartheid government led by the African National Congress (ANC).
