21.05.09 - RWANDA/ GENOCIDE - GENOCIDE: GACACA COURT ADJOURNS TRIAL OF CATHOLIC PRIEST TO NEXT WEEK

Kigali, 21 May 2009 (FH) - Trial of genocide-accused Catholic Priest, Joseph Ndagijimana, from Kabgayi Diocese, central Rwanda, Wednesday was adjourned to next week Tuesday, reports Hirondelle Agency.

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In prison for more than 10 years, the priest, who is accused of having played a role in the killings of ethnic Tutsis in 1994 in Kabgayi, was tried by the semi-traditional Gacaca Court of the Byimana, Southern Province.

In the same province, Father Josaphat Hitimana, who had been convicted by the gacaca court of the Nyamabuye sector, has been on the run since 12 May, according to Hirondelle sources.

Some of Hitimana's close relatives consider that he might have fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where allegedly he has family.

 The gacacas (pronounced gatchatcha) are charged with trying alleged authors of the 1994 genocide which resulted, according to the UN, in nearly 800,000 deaths, mainly of ethnic Tutsis.

The Gacaca courts are not presided by professional judges, but by persons who are considered of high esteem in the society.

Several clergymen have been convicted by Rwandan justice for their roles in the 1994 genocide. However, Bishop of Gikongoro (southern Rwanda), Augustin Misago, was acquitted.

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© Hirondelle News Agency