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ICC Kenyatta trial 'may be delayed' on defence complaint | ICC Kenyatta trial 'may be delayed' on defence complaint |
(35 minutes later) | |
International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors say they do not object to delaying the trials of four prominent Kenyans charged with fuelling violence. | International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors say they do not object to delaying the trials of four prominent Kenyans charged with fuelling violence. |
One of the suspects, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, is contesting next week's presidential elections. | One of the suspects, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, is contesting next week's presidential elections. |
The ICC trials, over violence that broke out after the disputed 2007 election, was due to start in April. | The ICC trials, over violence that broke out after the disputed 2007 election, was due to start in April. |
But defence lawyers complained that they had not been given enough time to prepare for the cases. | But defence lawyers complained that they had not been given enough time to prepare for the cases. |
ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah said judges had not yet decided whether to delay the trials, the Associated Press news agency reports. | ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah said judges had not yet decided whether to delay the trials, the Associated Press news agency reports. |
But the prosecutors' comment, in written filings posted on the ICC website, makes it likely the trials will be pushed until later in the year. | But the prosecutors' comment, in written filings posted on the ICC website, makes it likely the trials will be pushed until later in the year. |
The prosecution had initially rejected calls for a delay, but now admits that "operational constraints", such as the availability of court space, may make an April date "untenable", reports the BBC's Anna Holligan from The Hague. | |
The political implications of a delay would be significant, if there is no clear winner in Kenya's 4 March election, our reporter says. | |
It would mean that the accused would be free to stay for any run-off vote, she adds. | |
Mr Kenyatta and his running mate, William Ruto, are charged with crimes against humanity over the violence which left more than 1,000 people dead and 600,000 homeless after the 2007 election. | Mr Kenyatta and his running mate, William Ruto, are charged with crimes against humanity over the violence which left more than 1,000 people dead and 600,000 homeless after the 2007 election. |
Kenya's former UN ambassador Francis Muthaura and journalist Joshua arap Sang are facing similar charges at The Hague. | Kenya's former UN ambassador Francis Muthaura and journalist Joshua arap Sang are facing similar charges at The Hague. |
They all deny the charges. | They all deny the charges. |
About two weeks ago, a Kenyan High Court refused to annul Mr Kenyatta's candidature, saying it did not have the power to do so. | About two weeks ago, a Kenyan High Court refused to annul Mr Kenyatta's candidature, saying it did not have the power to do so. |
He is a frontrunner for the presidency, along with Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in next week's election. | |
Mwai Kibaki is stepping down, at the end of his two terms. | Mwai Kibaki is stepping down, at the end of his two terms. |
Defence lawyers had said they need more time to prepare for the trials because prosecutors had not disclosed all their evidence. | Defence lawyers had said they need more time to prepare for the trials because prosecutors had not disclosed all their evidence. |
The 2007 violence broke out after Mr Odinga's supporters reacted angrily to Mr Kibaki's victory, claiming the vote had been rigged. | The 2007 violence broke out after Mr Odinga's supporters reacted angrily to Mr Kibaki's victory, claiming the vote had been rigged. |
Mr Kibaki was backed by Mr Kenyatta, while Mr Ruto supported Mr Odinga. However, the two have formed an alliance to contest next week's election. | Mr Kibaki was backed by Mr Kenyatta, while Mr Ruto supported Mr Odinga. However, the two have formed an alliance to contest next week's election. |
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