08.06.09 - ICTR/MUNYAKAZI - ICTR: DEFENCE CASE AGAINST OLDEST DETAINEE TO COMMENCE ON AUGUST 31

Arusha, 8 June 2009 (FH) - The defence case of former Rwandan businessman, Yusuf Munyakazi, on trial for genocide and crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), will commence on August 31, 2009.

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During a status conference on Monday presided by the President of Trial Chamber I, Judge Florence Rita Arrey the parties have agreed that the defence should submit particulars of defence witnesses by July 31.

Tanzanian Professor, Jwani Mwaikusa, lead defence counsel for the accused told Hirondelle after the status conference, that he was working with a tentative figure of 36 would be defence witnesses, including two experts.

The prosecution rested its case on June 4, after fielding 12 witnesses to support accusations against the defendant.

The 74 year-old man was arrested in May 2004 in east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where he pretended to be an Imam, under the name of Mzee Mandevu (literally, the bearded old man in Kiswahili).

The trial began on 22 April.

NI/SC/GF

© Hirondelle News Agency