AU opposes Rule 68 on recanted testimony in the Williiam Ruto and Joshua Sang ICC case

Deputy President William Ruto speaks during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi yesterday. AU says amended Rule 68 should not apply in his ICC case. (PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD)

The African Union (AU) has opposed the application of Rule 68 that International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda used to convince judges to accept recanted witness testimonies against Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua arap Sang.

The AU argues that negotiations and declarations at the 12th Session of the Assembly of State Parties (ASP) indicate that the amended Rule 68 that allows admission of prior recorded testimony was not intended to apply retroactively in the cases of DP Ruto and Sang.