This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
On July 4, 2019, the African Court on Human and People's Rights made a landmark ruling in favor of the families of 10 Kenyans convicted and sentenced for robbery with violence in Tanzania.
The court awarded compensation to the families, citing the lengthy period of time the trial took before the 10 Kenyans were convicted.
The case involved the arrest of the Kenyans in Maputo, Mozambique, in 2006, and the subsequent prosecution in Tanzania.
The court noted that the trial took two years, six months, and 14 days, despite a higher court's order for a speedy prosecution.
The judges also considered that prejudice was suffered for the period during which the case was put on hold before the trial commenced.
According to the ruling, "There is hardly any doubt that the close relatives of the applicants suffered moral damage arising from the breaches."
The court awarded $1,000 to spouses, $800 to each child, and $500 to each father or mother named as a dependent.
Additionally, the court awarded $3,000 to each of those acquitted and $4,000 to each of those convicted for pain, physical, and emotional suffering.
The judges also awarded each of the 10 TSh300,000 (approximately Sh13,434) as compensation for legal aid during the trial.
