25.11.09 - RWANDA/GACACA - GACACA: EX-UNIVERSITY TOP OFFICER GETS LIFE JAIL IN ABSENTIA

Arusha, November 25, 2009 (FH) - The Gacaca court of Ngoma, southern Rwanda, has sentenced in absentia a former vice Rector of the National University of Rwanda (NUR) to life imprisonment for his role in the 1994 Genocide at the university, in which over 400 students and staff died.

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Jean Berchmas Nshyimyumuremyi was found guilty of playing a role in the deaths of Tutsi students at the university, reported pro-government New Times Wednesday.

Two other senior university officials; Anastase Nkuranga and Denis Mutagoma were also handed life sentences with special provisions for their roles in the killings, mainly of ethnic Tutsis.

During the trial, several witnesses accused the university's top administration of being behind the planning of the Genocide at the university.

Court heard that several meetings chaired by Nshimyumuremyi were held at the university during the period leading to the Genocide.

The Gacaca courts are not presided by professional judges by people considered of high esteem in the society.

SC/GF

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