ICC issues arrest warrant for Kenyan journalist
October 2, 2013 (THE HAGUE) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for Kenyan journalist Walter Osapiri Barasa for allegedly interfering with a prosecution witnesses in cases before the court.
Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto have both been separately charged with crimes against humanity by the ICC for their roles in post-election violence in the country six years ago.
The violence in 2007 and 2008 led to the death of some 1,200 people and the displacement of 600,000.
“He [Barasa] is charged with several offences against the administration of justice, including corruptly influencing or attempting to corruptly influence ICC witnesses”, the ICC said in a statement on Wednesday.
Barasa is the first suspect to be charged before the ICC with an offence against the administration of justice.
The court said the trial judge, Cuno Tarfusser Single, had found grounds to hold Barasa “criminally responsible” for the crime of influencing or attempting to corrupt prosecution witnesses to withdraw in cases before the court.
The ICC alleges that Barasa continues to work for officials within the Kenya administration.
The ICC prosecutor has in the past complained of intimidation, as well as the practice of buying off prosecution witnesses. Defence lawyers for the accused have denied the allegations.
The ICC says Kenya should arrest Barasa and hand him over to the court.
The arrest warrant for the journalist comes on the same day that that the court case against vice president William Ruto resumed.
The hearing, which began last month resumed on Wednesday after the court granted him leave following the recent Westgate terror attack in Kenya.
Barasa will be the second Kenyan journalist to appear before the ICC albeit on different charges from Joshua Arap Sang, a former radio journalist who is jointly charged with Ruto.
(ST)