AG dismisses Ocampo’s claims

AG dismisses Ocampo’s claims Written By:Martin Mwanje,    Posted: Wed, May 30, 2012

The AG termed as baseless sentiments by ICC Prosecutor The Attorney General Prof. Githu Muigai has termed as baseless sentiments attributed to the International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Loius Moreno Ocampo claiming that the government has been reluctant in cooperating with the court over cases facing the four post election suspects.  While reiterating the government's resolve to the matter,  Prof. Muigai is warning that such sentiments risk straining the cordial relationship between the country and ICC. Addressing a sensitization Witness Protection workshop in Nairobi Wednesday, the AG said that Ocampo's comments were harmful to the relationship between the Kenyan government and the court adding that the state has facilitated ICC investigators to meet witnesses and carry out any further investigations into the cases He spoke as Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa lauded the establishment of the Witness Protection agency which he says will go a long way in dispensing criminal justice in the country. The Minister was categorical that cases like Anglo leasing, golden berg and other big scams will have not taken that long to be concluded if Kenya had a well structured programme on witness protection. The witness protection agency mandate is to provide special protection to persons in possession of important information and who are facing potential risk or intimidation due to their cooperation with the prosecution, police or other law enforcement agencies. The two said this Wednesday during the launch of a two day sensitization workshop on witness protection in the country. Prof. Muigai underscored the fact that Kenya was among the first country to domesticate the Rome statute, and such sentiments could strain relationships between Kenya and the Hague based court. Key among the agency's mandate is to offer protection to witnesses. Ocampo on Monday argued before the Trial Chamber that disclosure of evidence and witnesses against the accused should only be done once the protection of all its witnesses is guaranteed. The defence on the other hand in separate submissions has argued that it cannot adequately prepare for the trial unless the prosecution has fully disclosed any new evidence that it may introduce and the number and identities of witnesses that it will call.