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Kenya's President Kenyatta 'excused most of ICC trial' Kenya's President Kenyatta 'excused most of ICC trial'
(35 minutes later)
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta need not attend all of his trial on charges of crimes against humanity, the International Criminal Court has said.Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta need not attend all of his trial on charges of crimes against humanity, the International Criminal Court has said.
He is only required to be present at certain key parts of the case, a majority of judges ruled.He is only required to be present at certain key parts of the case, a majority of judges ruled.
Mr Kenyatta has argued that attending the trial in The Hague would prevent him from governing the country.Mr Kenyatta has argued that attending the trial in The Hague would prevent him from governing the country.
Both Mr Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto deny charges of organising violence after the 2007 election.Both Mr Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto deny charges of organising violence after the 2007 election.
Last week, the African Union urged the UN Security Council to delay Mr Kenyatta's trial, due to start in November. Friday's ruling states that the Kenyan president must be physically present during the opening and closing statements, hearings where victims "present their views and concerns in person," the verdict, and any other sessions determined by the court.
'Demanding'
The judges said that the exemption was granted "to accommodate the demanding functions of [Mr Kenyatta's] office as President of Kenya".
Last week, the African Union urged the UN Security Council to delay Mr Kenyatta's trial, which is due to start on 12 November.
An estimated 1,200 people were killed in the ethnic bloodshed which swept the country. Around 600,000 fled their homes.An estimated 1,200 people were killed in the ethnic bloodshed which swept the country. Around 600,000 fled their homes.
Mr Ruto's trial began in September. He too was granted an exemption from attending parts of his trial, but the prosecution lodged an appeal against that decision, which is currently suspended.Mr Ruto's trial began in September. He too was granted an exemption from attending parts of his trial, but the prosecution lodged an appeal against that decision, which is currently suspended.
Both men say they will co-operate with the court. The BBC's Anna Holligan, in The Hague, says the uncertainty over Mr Ruto's exemption means there is no guarantee that Mr Kenyatta's will be granted.