01.10.08 - ICTR/GOVERNMENT II - TRIAL CHAMBER III TO VISIT MASSACRE SITES IN RWANDA NEXT WEEK

1 October 2008 By

Arusha, 01 October, 2008 (FH) - Trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which handles genocide case against four ex- Rwandan ministers, on Monday, starts a week-long visit to Rwanda of the alleged 1994 massacres sites and other crimes allegedly committed by the defendants.

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The accused in this joint trial are, Casimir Bizimungu, former Minister of Health, Justin Mugenzi, former Minister for Commerce, Prosper Mugiraneza, former Minister for Civil Service and Jerome Bicamumpaka ,former Minister for Foreign Affairs . All have pleaded not guilty to genocide and crimes against humanity.

According to the program, the three-bench judge led by its President Khalida Khan from Pakistan, the prosecution and the defence teams will be in Rwanda between October 6 and 10, 2008. The other members of the bench are Lee Mothoga from Kenya and Francis Shorts from Ghana.

A total of 23 sites are expected be visited during the week, including Kigali, Kabuga (Kigali suburb), Kibungo (eastern Rwanda), Gitarama (central Rwanda) and Gisenyi (northern Rwanda).

The defence closed its case on June 12, 2008 after calling 114 witnesses whereas the prosecution fielded 57 witnesses.

According to the United Nations estimates, about 800, 000 people were killed during April-July, 1994, mostly ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus.

The hearing of the case started in November, 2003.

NI/SC/GF