Ocampo's tough conditions to six chaos suspects

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has given nine tough conditions that will guarantee freedom to the six key post election violence suspects whose names will be made public Wednesday.

He warned  that he will seek arrest warrants from the Pre-Trial Chamber if the conditions, which range from the suspects frequently informing the ICC judges of their movements to an assurance of not interfering with the witnesses, were flouted.

“These conditions are strict. They are in accordance with the Rome Statute  (that established The Hague Court) and ICC rules.

"Let me be clear. If the suspects do not comply with the conditions set by the chamber, I will request arrest warrants. If there is any indication of bribes, intimidation or threats, I will request arrest warrants,” he said in a statement that was issued by the ICC.

Mr Moreno-Ocampo has chosen  to seek summons for the six suspects that he will name Wednesday, a move that guarantees them freedom instead of requesting for arrest warrants that will required them to be carted to the holding cells at The Hague.

Once a suspect appears at The Hague following a summon, he or she is granted a bond to allow him to go on with normal life.

“I believe summonses are sufficient to ensure the appearance of all six suspects. But as ICC Prosecutor, I am requesting that clear conditions be imposed on them,” he said.

He listed the conditions are:  updating the ICC of of their personal contacts and movements; not to contact other suspects unless through their lawyers in preparation of their defences; not to approach any victims or witness; not to influence or interfere with the testimonies of victims and witnesses; to keep off the investigations and not to engage in other crimes.”

“In addition, they must respond to all requests by ICC judges; they must attend all hearings when required, and post bond if the judges so instruct them,” he said.

The suspects will be required to inform the ICC judges of their readiness to appear a few hours after the announcement of their names.