Briefing on reports that Amnesty International is planning to institute proceedings against President Moi of Kenya
EXTERNAL -- FOR RESPONSE
AI INDEX: AFR 32/03/00
22 March 2000
In an article published on 21 March 2000 in the Daily Nation, one of Kenya's leading daily newspapers, Amnesty International, together with other non-governmental organizations, is reported to be considering filing criminal and civil proceedings against President Daniel Arap Moi of Kenya in Britain and Belgium on behalf of Kenyan victims of "ethnic clashes and police torture".
While Amnesty International has serious concerns about human rights violations in Kenya, contrary to what has been reported, the organization does not have any plans to "co-ordinate legal representation" in any case against President Moi.
Amnesty International provides legal information about international human rights law including on issues related to bringing suspected perpetrators of human rights violations to justice. Such legal information was requested and provided with regard to the possibility of taking a case against President Moi in the United Kingdom. There are no plans for any further meetings on this issue as stated in the article.
Amnesty International expects first and foremost the authorities of the country where human rights violations occurred to bring the suspected perpetrators to justice. When this does not happen, the organization calls on any other government to bring to justice the suspected perpetrators, in line with the principle of universal jurisdiction, when they are accused of crimes under international law such as torture. In all cases Amnesty International expects trials to be conducted in accordance with international standards and not to result in the imposition of the death penalty.
Source: Amnesty International, International Secretariat, 1 Easton Street, WC1X 8DJ, London, United Kingdom
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