THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The case against six high-ranking Kenyan officials, including a deputy prime minister, on crimes against humanity can go forward, the international court ruled.
The International Criminal Court dismissed a challenge by the Kenyan government to throw out the cases against six Kenyan officials charged with crimes against humanity committed in the aftermath of December 2007 elections.
Thousands of people were killed and some 600,000 more were displaced following December 2007 elections.
Presiding Judge Daniel David Ntanda Nsereko said there was "no legal, factual or procedural error" in the case and dismissed the Kenyan government's challenge.
Human Rights Watch said any prosecution against the six Kenyan officials must be complemented by credible national trials investigating the post-election violence.
"In spite of important reforms under way, Kenya's judicial system faces a number of challenges in meeting that goal," the organization said in a statement.
Nsereko said that in order for the cases to be dismissed, a domestic investigation must be ongoing.
The six men are also accused of have a role in mass rapes and the destruction of property.
