According to the Presiding Judge William Sekule (Tanzania), the special session will be followed by closing arguments by the parties in the largest trial in the history of the Tribunal.
Recalled witnesses all of whom are identified only by pseudonyms to conceal their true identity for security reasons include QCB, QY, SJ and QBQ.
The defendants jointly accused are former Mayor of Muganza Elie Ndayambaje; former Minister for Family and Women Affairs, Pauline Nyiramasuhuko and her son Arsene Shalom Ntahobali; former Governors Sylvain Nsabimana and Alphonse Nteziryayo; and Ex-Mayor of Ngoma Commune, Joseph Kanyabashi.
Kanyabash's Canadian lead defense counsel, Michel Marchand, took the floor to cross examine witness QCB, immediately after he was sworn in. The whole exercise was conducted in closed session.
The witnesses have been recalled following request from the defense, an application which was granted by the Chamber.
All accused have pleaded not guilty to genocide and crimes against humanity. The hearing continues Tuesday.
The case which commenced in June 2001, has consumed a total of 714 trial days so far.
NI/SC
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