06.11.07 - ICTR/MILITARY II - THE FORMER CHIEF OF STAFF HAS UNTIL MID-DECEMBER TO FINISH HIS DEFENCE

Arusha, 6 November 2007 (FH) - The former chief of staff of the Rwandan army, General Augustin Bizimungu, accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, has until mid-December to finish his defence before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), it was learned from legal source Tuesday.

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In a decision dated 31 October, and that the Hirondelle agency received a copy Tuesday, the chamber orders to the defence team of the general to organize itself to conclude its defence case on 14 December.

The lawyers for Bizimungu must also specify if the defendant will testify on his own behalf, continues the order of this chamber presided by Sri Lankan Judge Joseph Asoka de Silva.

Lastly, the judges ordered one of Bizimungu's three co-defendants, the former chief of staff of the national gendarmerie, General Augustin Ndindiliyimana, to prepare to start his defence in mid-January 2008.

Such a decision aims to accelerate the proceedings, since the ICTR must theoretically finish its first instance trials by the end of next year.

General Bizimungu, 55, began his defence on 16 April. After him, will be General Ndindiliyimana, then Major François-Xavier Nzuwonemeye and finally Captain Innocent Sagahutu.

Known as "Military II", their trial began in September 2004.

ER/PB/MM
© Hirondelle News Agency