By Geoffrey Mosoku
The Hague, Netherlands: International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has warned that her office will investigate and take stern action against persons tampering with witnesses.
Ms Bensouda told the ICC trial judges how she had endured a long journey in safeguarding and protecting witnesses, some who have been threatened and intimidated.
She described Tuesday’s commencement of trial as a culmination of a long and difficult investigation process.
Bensouda told trial judges that the process had been fraught with co-operation challenges and obstacles relating to the security of witnesses.
“Many victims and witnesses have been too scared to come forward, others have given statements but subsequently sought to withdraw from the process citing intimidation and fear.”
The prosecutor said worrying evidence had also emerged of attempts to bribe witnesses to withdraw or recant their evidence.
Bensouda warned that she would not let off the hook those engaged in bribery and witness intimidation, citing them as serious crimes punishable under the Rome Statute.
“The prosecution is investigating. We will get to the bottom to ensure that those responsible also face justice,” she said during her opening remarks on the start of the cases against Deputy President William Ruto and journalist Joshua Sang.
The trial, Bensouda added, must be allowed to run its course without interference by the activities and witnesses of either the prosecution of the defense.
The prosecutor has indicated that she will adduce evidence to prove that Ruto and Sang are guilty of the three counts of charges of crimes against humanity for the 2007/08 post-election violence.
