ICC Partially Excuses Kenyan Leader from Trial

Kenyan President Kenyatta (L) shakes hands with Deputy President Ruto, Nairobi, Oct. 12, 2013.

The International Criminal Court says Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta will not have to attend all parts of his trial on charges of crimes against humanity.

In a ruling issued Friday, ICC judges say Kenyatta must be present for all opening and closing statements, the delivery of the verdict, and when his alleged victims "present their views and concerns in person."

It says he is excused from attending other parts of his trial, so he can perform his duties as president of Kenya.

Kenyatta is accused of helping to organize ethnic violence that killed more than 1,100 people after the disputed 2007 Kenyan presidential election.

His lawyers have argued his job as president precludes him from attending the trial at The Hague.

His deputy president, William Ruto, is also on trial at the ICC for charges related to the violence.

Both men have denied the allegations against them.