ICC Day 1, Case 2: General Ali arrives at the ICC in smiles ready to face Ocampo
Posted by African Press International on September 22, 2011
By Korir, Chief editor, API
His lawyers, during their opening statements wanted to know why the General has been brought to court since Ocampo has been mean in disclosing the real charges and witnesses against Ali. John Philpot wanted to know why the prosecutor had dragged Ali to court to answer false charges.
The lawyers Monari and Philpot told the court that Ali did not contribute to killings in Kenya. Instead, he did what he could to stop the violence when it erupted. According to the prosecution, Ali was neglected to his duties after being requested to do so by Ambassador Francis Muthaura, the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service. He is accused by the prosecution of allowing criminals to kill and displace people without ordering his men and women to stop them.
- African Press International photo: Hussein Ali’s Counsel Evans Munari leaving the court after it adjourned for the day
However, The lawyers disagree with the prosecution. They told the court that Ali gave instructions to his men and women to provide safety to the people and to safeguard their property, noting that no police force in the world can stop all the violence at once when it erupts spontaneously as it did in the case of Kenya.
- African Press International photo: Hussein Ali’s Counsel John Philpot leaving the court after it adjourned for the day
Ocampo has been accused of malice having brought this case and by relying only on written statements by anonymous individuals whose interest is to destroy the lives of the suspects, without regard for justice.
The court heard that Ali is a man who has served his country in pride and with dedication.
He should not even be here at all, counsel Philpot told the court in an emotional tone.
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