ICCKenyan President’s trial set for October: In a written decision on Monday, the ICC postponed to October 7 its trial of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta for crimes against humanity committed in his country linked to post-election violence in 2007-2008. the decision was to give more time to the Kenyan government to submit certain documents, which the prosecution says it is withholding. The prosecution says these documents are central to the case. At the same time, the Chamber thus rejected a defence request to dismiss the case, as well as a prosecution request to suspend the trial indefinitely until Nairobi meets its obligations to cooperate.
UN Ban Ki-moon calls for genocide prevention: At an international convention on genocide prevention in Brussels on Tuesday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for mobilization of political will across the world. Referring to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, he said that nowhere in the world should feel itself immune. He said preventing genocide meant establishing legitimate and accountable national institutions that are inclusive and credible in the eyes of the population, ensuring that the rule of law is respected and that all human rights are protected without discrimination, eliminating corruption, managing diversity and supporting pluralistic media and strong civil society, including human rights defenders.
VATICANPope urges Rwandan bishops to be instruments of reconciliation: Meeting Rwandan bishops at the Vatican on Thursday, the head of the Catholic Church urged them to take the initiative to promote national healing and reconciliation in their country. Pope Francis called on them to help rebuild trust and support families who are victims of the genocide. Rwanda launched ceremonies for the 20th commemoration of the genocide in January this year. Up to a million people died in less than three months in 1994, including the Catholic faithful, their priests and many others. Some churchmen, including Catholic priests, have also been accused of participating in the genocide. The highlight of the commemoration ceremonies is expected to be a speech by Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali on Monday.
NEXT WEEKThe International Criminal Court (ICC) continues hearings of prosecution witnesses in the trial of Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang.
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