Ocampo ready to present two Kenyan cases

 By Standard Reporter

The International Criminal Court has reiterated its determination to bring to justice those who co-ordinated or financed post-election violence in Kenya in 2008.

Speaking when he presented the ICC sixth report to the UN General Assembly, the court’s president Sang-Hyun Song said they plan to finalise the bulk of the investigation before the end of the year. He added that ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo plans to present at least two cases against those most responsible for the post-election violence.

In his address, Song highlighted some of the activities of the court over the past year.

"During the reporting period, the office conducted 27 missions to 11 countries with situations like Kenya. These included the first visit of the Prosecutor to Kenya since the beginning of the investigation, between 8 and 12 May, this year," said Song.

Systematic attack

He said that during the visit, Ocampo met many people including victims of the violence.

Song said President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom Ocampo also met, "reiterated their full support for the International Criminal Court and their responsibility for the security of Kenyan citizens".

The court also informed the UN of the visit made by Sudanese President Omar al Bashir to Kenya.

Bashir is wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity committed in Darfur.

Ocampo was granted permission to open an investigation covering alleged crimes against humanity committed between June 1, 2005 and November 26, last year.

This was after he told the Pre-Trial Chamber 11 that 1,220 persons had been killed, hundreds raped, 350,000 forcibly displaced and 3,561 injured in widespread and systematic attacks targeting civilians.