05.10.09 - ICTR/NZABONIMANA - TRIAL OF FORMER RWANDAN MINISTER FOR YOUTH SET FOR NOVEMBER 9

Arusha, 05 October, 2009 (FH) - The trial of the former Rwandan minister for Youth, Callixte Nzabonimana which was stagnant for 21 months after his initial appearance, will now commence on November 9, before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).

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The Spokesman of the Tribunal, Roland Amoussougga confirmed the trial date but did not give more details.

Nzabonimana is now facing five charges in the amended indictment signed by ICTR Prosecutor, Hassan Bubacar Jallow on October 4, 2008 including genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, extermination and murder.

The accused pleaded not guilty to eleven counts including genocide, extermination and rape during his initial appearance on February 20, 2008.

According to the indictment, it was alleged that the accused played an important role in the massacres of Tutsis in Gitarama, central Rwanda, his native region.

''On more than one occasion, between April and July 1994, in Gitarama prefecture Callixte Nzabonimana encouraged the population to first kill the Tutsis and then take their belongings,'' reads part of the indictment.

The indictment further alleged that between the same period in question the accused, directly and publicly incited other persons, including, but not limited to members of the Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR), Gendarmerie Nationale (GN), communal police men, Interahamwe militia, prefects, mayors, members of the presidential guard and many other authorities and the Hutu population at large to kill Tutsis.

He was arrested in Kigoma, Western Tanzania on February 18, 2008 and was transferred to the UN Detention Facility in Arusha immediately after.

Two other detainees await trial dates.

NI/GF

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