Lobby backs Bashir arrest warrant

A global human rights group is expressing support for the Kenya High Court decision to issue an arrest warrant for Sudan President Omar Al-Bashir.

"It is wonderful to see the Kenyan courts acting in line with Kenya's international commitments and the Constitution,” Human Rights Watch spokesman Ben Rawlence told nation.co.ke

“Now the government must uphold their decision and act on it."

Approval of the High Court's action was also expressed at a press conference at UN headquarters on Wednesday.

The Africa outreach liaison for the nongovernmental Coalition for the International Criminal Court cited the “unprecedented” arrest warrant as an indication that many Africans support the ICC.

The High Court's move will also prove important to Kenya itself, said Stephen Lamony, the coalition's Africa liaison.

“There was lack of confidence among Kenyan citizens concerning their Judiciary,” Mr Lamony told reporters.

“By issuing this arrest warrant [the High Court] reinforces the confidence of Kenyans.”

President Bashir is wanted by the ICC on charges of war crimes committed in Sudan's Darfur region.

Mr Lamony pointed out that Kenya has become the first nation to issue its own arrest warrant for Mr Bashir.