Karma al-Khayat appeals STL contempt verdict: On Wednesday, 21 October 2015, the defense team of Al-Jadeed executive, Karma al-Khayat, filed an appeal against the conviction by the STL for contempt of court. In the appeal the defense argued that the judge had committed several legal and factual errors that invalidated Khayat’s conviction. The defense stated that the judge did not give appropriate weight to all relevant evidence on the record and that the prosecution failed to prove Khayat’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In September Judge Nicola Lettieri found that Khayat intentionally ignored a court order to remove videos about tribunal witnesses posted on Al-Jadeed’s website. (Daily Star)
Kenya requests UNSC deferral of Ruto and Sang cases: In a request based on Article 16 of the Rome Statute, the Kenyan government has petitioned the UN Security Council to defer the case against DP William Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang at the ICC. Ambassador Macharia Kamau said in the petition that requests to defer the case have not been duly considered, and that the AU remains “actively seized of th[e] matter”. Ambassador Kamau said that the case poses political and social distraction in Kenya, which “undermines and threatens the immediate and long-term political stability of the subregion of East Africa and the Horn of Africa.” On 17 October 2015 Presiding judge Chile Eboe-Osuji said Kenyans should let the court handle the case without directing “abusive commentaries” at the ICC. (allAfrica)
ICTR finds Rwandan justice system fit to try genocide suspect Jean Uwinkindi: Friday, 23 October 2015 the ICTR confirmed that the Rwandan justice system has the necessary guarantees to ensure a fair trial for Jean Uwinkindi on genocide charges. The decision dismisses Uwinkindi’s request for revocation, in which he alleged that he does not trust Rwanda’s justice system to try his case. The ICTR found that the High Court of Rwanda had correctly concluded that it is necessary for Uwinkindi to have legal representation at all times, and that the Rwanda Bar Association lists 60 lawyers to represent indigent persons in international crimes cases. Uwinkindi was arrested in Uganda on 30 June 2010 on charges that he planned, instigated, ordered and committed acts of genocide against Tutsis. (Star Africa)
FIDH and CCL report on Ukraine highlights crimes and calls for ICC investigation: FIDH and Center for Civil Liberties (CCL, Ukraine) released a report on the harm to civilians in Eastern Ukraine by various armed groups and urged the ICC to investigate. The joint report documents a number of allegations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights committed in Eastern Ukraine between May 2014 and August 2015. The report is based on the findings of nine monitoring missions in areas such as in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as testimony from victims. (fidh)
India prepares for ICC accused Bashir’s visit: As a major summit in India with more than 50 African countries approaches, New Delhi, India faces pressure to arrest Sudan’s President, Omar al-Bashir, an expected guest. Al-Bashir is the only sitting head of state wanted by the ICC over charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with the Darfur conflict. Vikas Swarup, the spokesperson for India’s Foreign Ministry said that because India is not a party to the Rome Statute, “we don’t have an obligation to comply” with the ICC’s warrant. The ICC responded that “by arresting and surrendering ICC suspect, India can contribute to the important goal of ending impunity for the world’s worst crimes. (Time)
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