Kenya: 'disturbing' parliamentary vote to withdraw from International Court is condemned

Vote sets ‘dangerous precedent for the future of justice in Africa’ - Netsanet Belay

Amnesty International has condemned today’s vote in the Kenyan parliament to withdraw from the International Criminal Court.

The vote came just days before Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto was due to stand trial in The Hague accused of crimes against humanity after post-election violence rocked the country in 2007-8. The Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also faces serious charges and his trial is due to start on 12 November.

Amnesty International Africa Director Netsanet Belay said:

“Today’s vote is a disturbing attempt to deny justice to the hundreds of thousands of people who were driven from their homes or killed in the post-election violence in 2007-8.

“This also sets a dangerous precedent for the future of justice in Africa.

“It is unacceptable to try and protect those facing prosecution for alleged crimes against humanity and allow them to evade justice.”