In a written request to the court, Nzirorera's American lawyer Peter Robinson also requested the appearances of historian Ferdinand Nahimana, of Lieutenant Samuel Imanishimwe and of Hassan Ngeze, former editor of the extremist newspaper Kangura.
Nzirorera is on trial before the ICTR for genocide and crimes against humanity. He pleads not guilty. At the time of the genocide, Nzirorera was Secretary General of the former ruling party MRND.
Nahimana and Ngeze are serving jail terms in Mali. Imanishimwe has completed his sentence but is still in Mali, according to the lawyer's request.
Georges Rutaganda is currently serving his sentence in Benin.
Nzirorera's defence would like these witnesses to appear before the court between April 12 and May 14.
The defendant has already called three other ICTR detainees to testify.
Counsel Peter Robinson has called a total of 25 witnesses. He intends to call upon thirty more before closing the defence case in June.
Nzirorera is being tried jointly with Mathieu Ngirumpatse and Edouard Karemera, who held the positions of MRND president and vice-president respectively at the time of the genocide.
ER/GF
© Hirondelle News Agency