International Criminal Law · Analysis and Cases

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The Prosecutor v. William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang

Case Sheet · ICC

The Prosecutor v. William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang

Situation Situation in Kenya
Status Closed · Charges Withdrawn

Context

William Samoei Ruto, a Kenyan politician, and Joshua Arap Sang, a radio broadcaster, were charged with crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the 2007–2008 post-election violence in Kenya. The Pre-Trial Chamber II confirmed charges against both on 23 January 2012. The trial opened on 10 September 2013. On 5 April 2016, Trial Chamber V(A) terminated the case, vacating the charges due to insufficient evidence, noting in particular the level of witness interference and evidentiary weaknesses. The termination did not amount to an acquittal.

Pre-Trial

Summons to appear 8 March 2011
Charges on summons Crime against humanity of murder · art. 7(1)(a) RS
Crime against humanity of forcible transfer of population · art. 7(1)(d) RS
Crime against humanity of persecution · art. 7(1)(h) RS
Document containing charges Crime against humanity of murder · art. 7(1)(a) RS
Crime against humanity of forcible transfer of population · art. 7(1)(d) RS
Crime against humanity of persecution · art. 7(1)(h) RS
Result of confirmation of charges Charges confirmed · 23 January 2012
Crimes confirmed Crime against humanity of murder · art. 7(1)(a) RS
Crime against humanity of forcible transfer of population · art. 7(1)(d) RS
Crime against humanity of persecution · art. 7(1)(h) RS

Trial

Trial opening 10 September 2013
Decision on no case to answer 5 April 2016 · Charges vacated · Case terminated

Key Documents

Application summons to appear Application Summons to Appear (2010)
Summons to appear Summons to Appear (2011)
Document Containing charges Document Containing Charges (2012)
Decision on confirmation of charges Decision on the Confirmation of Charges (2012)
Trial decision (no case to answer) Decision on No Case to Answer (2016)
ICC case page Official ICC page — The Prosecutor v. Ruto and Sang