Uganda's Bobi Wine Approaches ICC Over Human Righst Violations
Uganda’s firebrand opposition party leader Bobi Wine (real name Robert Kyagulanyi) has reportedly summoned International Criminal Court to investigate his bitter rival and the country’s president Yoweri Museveni and his top officials for human rights abuses ahead of this week’s election, Reuters reports.
The pop star turned politician reportedly submitted a 41 paged petition asking the Hague Court to investigate Museveni for incidences dating back to 2018 in which law enforcement officers were told to shoot to kill civilians.
The office of the ICC prosecutor reportedly confirmed receiving the petition and said they will go through it:
As we do with all such communications, we will analyse the materials submitted, as appropriate, in accordance with the Rome Statute and with full independence and impartiality
Meanwhile, Bobi Wine’s opponents said approaching the ICC is a desperate move. Said Uganda’s state minister for foreign affairs, Okello Oryem:
That is sheer desperation. (The opposition) have tried everything under the sun, they have failed. Now they are resorting to the ICC. We are a law abiding country, we are a peace loving country
A submission to the ICC doesn’t necessarily mean the case will be investigated. The ICC receives a lot of similar petitions every year.
More: Reuters