13.02.09 - ICTR/MILITARY II - DEFENCE RE-OPENS TRIAL WITH ADDITIONAL WITNESSES ON MONDAY

13 February 2009 By

Arusha, 13 February, 2009 (FH) - Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) will on Monday start hearing about 10 additional and recalled witnesses in the genocide case of the former head of the gendarmerie, General Augustin Ndindiliyimana, who is jointly tried alongside three other former Rwandan military officers.

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The Chamber last September reprimanded the ICTR prosecutor for the failure to disclose to the accused's defence exculpatory materials relevant to the trial. Thus, the Chamber granted application of Ndindiliyimana defence to recall about five additional witnesses and recall four prosecution witnesses.

On October 6, 2008 the defence team of General Ndindiliyimana filed a motion aiming at recalling 20 prosecution witnesses as well as calling 12 new defense witnesses. The accused is defended by Canadian Christopher Black and Belgian Vincent Lurquin.

The witnesses are expected to testify from February 16 to 27, 2009.

Others accused in the trial are former Chief of staff of the Army, General Augustin Bizimungu, Major Francois-Xavier Nzuwonemeye, former Reconnaissance Battalion Commander and his Deputy Captain Innocent Sagahutu. These defendants have already concluded their defence cases.

Accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, they have all pleaded not guilty.

NI /SC/GF