Government will file its answering affidavit in the Omar Al-Bashir matter in the North Gauteng High Court on Thursday‚ minister in the presidency Jeff Radebe said.
Judge President Dunstan Mlambo gave the government until Thursday to submit an affidavit outlining the circumstances around Sudanese president Bashir’s departure from South Africa last week in contravention of a high court order that he be detained.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an order for his arrest for war crimes and genocide in Darfur.
He was‚ however‚ allowed to return home following the African Union (AU) Summit‚ which was held in Sandton.
Briefing the media on this week’s cabinet meeting outcomes‚ Radebe said that the affidavit would be filed on Thursday.
"The South African government always observes the rule of law and court judgements‚" he said.
He‚ however‚ said that "government cannot respond to a court order in the media" and would not offer details around the contents of the affidavit.
Radebe‚ however‚ reiterated previous government assertions that Bashir was not a visitor to South Africa but rather a guest of the AU‚ with South Africa merely providing a venue.
He said South Africa would shortly start discussions with the ICC and the AU and other African countries about the matter.
Radebe said the ICC order to arrest Bashir under the Rome Statute was in conflict with its treaty signed with the AU. — Parliamentary Bureau
Radebe reluctant to discuss Bashir affidavit with media
Judge President Dunstan Mlambo gave the government until Thursday to submit an affidavit outlining the circumstances around Sudanese president Bashir’s departure from South Africa last week in contravention of a high court order that he be detained.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an order for his arrest for war crimes and genocide in Darfur.
He was‚ however‚ allowed to return home following the African Union (AU) Summit‚ which was held in Sandton.
Briefing the media on this week’s cabinet meeting outcomes‚ Radebe said that the affidavit would be filed on Thursday.
"The South African government always observes the rule of law and court judgements‚" he said.
He‚ however‚ said that "government cannot respond to a court order in the media" and would not offer details around the contents of the affidavit.
Radebe‚ however‚ reiterated previous government assertions that Bashir was not a visitor to South Africa but rather a guest of the AU‚ with South Africa merely providing a venue.
He said South Africa would shortly start discussions with the ICC and the AU and other African countries about the matter.
Radebe said the ICC order to arrest Bashir under the Rome Statute was in conflict with its treaty signed with the AU. — Parliamentary Bureau
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos