"The Dutch minister of Justice will make an official visit to Rwanda from June 19 to June 21 during which prosecution of genocidaires living in the Netherlands will be discussed", a government press release stated.
According to the Dutch principle of universal jurisdiction, national courts are allowed to try suspects of war crimes committed abroad if the accused lives on Dutch soil.
By virtue of this principle, a court in The Hague found Joseph Mpambara, the 41-year old son of a wealthy retail trader from Mugonero (former Kibuye prefecture), guilty of torture leading to death of two Tutsi mothers and their four children. He was sentenced to 20 years in jail in March 2009.
Two months ago, Dutch magistrates came to Rwanda to hear witnesses related to Joseph Mpambara's appeal case.
In 2001, Mpambara's brother, Obed Ruzindana, was convicted by the ICTR to 25 years in jail for crimes against humanity.
ER/GF
© Agence Hirondelle
© Hirondelle News Agency