BUTARE TRIAL RESUMES AFTER A SHORT INTERRUPTION

Arusha November 11, 2002 (FH) - The trial of six individuals charged with genocide crimes in Butare, (south of Rwanda ) resumed on Monday at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and was held in closed session mainly after a short interruption. The trial was adjourned last Wednesday for lack of prosecution witnesses.

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The Butare trial commenced with the testimony of the eighteenth prosecution witness identified only as QAQ for protection from public identity. The prosecutor Adelaide West from Sierra Leone requested the court to conduct the proceedings in a closed session immediately after the witness made his solemn declaration because the witness was to be asked questions, which could have a bearing on his identity. Four prosecution witnesses have testified since the trial resumed on October 14th. Last Wednesday, a prosecutor Jonathan Moses, requested for an adjournment to enable the prosecution get more witnesses from Rwanda. He said the witnesses were unable to travel to Arusha on Wednesday because travel arrangements were incomplete. The Butare trial groups Former Minister Family Affairs and Gender Issues, Pauline Nyiramasuhuko, her son Arsene Shalom Ntahobali, former Butare prefects Sylvain Nsabimana and Alphonse Nteziryayo and former mayors of Ngoma Joseph Kanyabashi and Muganza, Elie Ndayambaje. They have all denied committing genocide in Butare Province (South Rwanda). The witness continues with his testimony on Tuesday. This trial is before ICTR's Trial Chamber Two, composed of Judges William Hussein Sekule of Tanzania (presiding), Arlette Ramaroson (Madagascar) Winston Churchill Matanzima Maqutu (Lesotho). PJ/FH (BT-1111e)