Arrest and hand over Barasa, ICC tells Kenya
PHOTO | FILE ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has asked the government to expedite the arrest and surrender of journalist Walter Barasa to the court.
What you need to know:
- Her statement comes in the light of a High Court ruling, which dismissed a case challenging the scribe’s extradition, last Friday.
- Mr Justice Richard Mwongo ruled that Mr Barasa, who is accused of attempting to obstruct justice, had not proved his claims that he would suffer injustice if handed over to ICC.
ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has asked the government to expedite the arrest and surrender of journalist Walter Barasa to the court.
Ms Bensouda, in a short statement, yesterday said they expected the government to take the “necessary steps to move the matter forward” so that Mr Barasa (above) can be surrendered to the ICC “without undue delay.”
Her statement comes in the light of a High Court ruling, which dismissed a case challenging the scribe’s extradition, last Friday.
Mr Justice Richard Mwongo ruled that Mr Barasa, who is accused of attempting to obstruct justice, had not proved his claims that he would suffer injustice if handed over to ICC.
Mr Barasa allegedly interfered with witnesses in the case facing Deputy President William Ruto and former broadcaster Joshua arap Sang.
On Friday, the Judge said the High Court had powers to order his arrest and surrender to the ICC.
“The ICC request for Mr Barasa’s arrest was within the law and I cannot find any exceptional circumstances to stop the process,” ruled judge Mwongo.
“He has not shown how the International Crimes Act undermines his constitutional right and in any event, he will have a chance to defend himself before a panel of three judges at the ICC.”
Yesterday, the Ms Bensouda appeared delighted with the ruling.
“The Prosecutor of the ICC welcomes the ruling by Kenya’s High Court. We expect that the Government of Kenya will take all necessary steps to move the matter forward,” she said.
