In a statement to Trial Chamber V (b) judges, Bensouda said the question of whether to permit Uhuru to attend the conference by video link is a matter for the Chamber’s discretion adding that the reasons given were not adequate.
However, Bensouda said she is not opposed to the rescheduling of the October 8 Status Conference but that the new date should be as soon as possible.
"The Prosecution observes only that no clear reasons for attendance by video link, rather than in person, are advanced by the defence, other than the accused’s status and the distance he would have to travel. The Chamber may consider that these alone do not represent reasons to excuse him from attendance which would be required of any other accused person,” Bensouda said.
Last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta, through his defence team requested the ICC judges to excuse him from attending the Status Conference.
In his request, Uhuru cited two State engagements in Kampala, Uganda, scheduled on October 8 and 9 and requested the Judges to allow him use a video link to appear or reschedule the Status Conference on a later date.
It is not clear whether the ICC Judges will accept Uhuru’s request.
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