18.08.10 - ICTR/COURT - ICTR REDUCES NUMBER OF COURT ROOMS AS PART OF ITS COMPLETION STRATEGY

Arusha, August 18, 2010 (FH) - The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has converted one of its four court rooms into a meeting room and supply store effective early August, 2010, as part of its completion strategy.

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‘'In accordance with the anticipated trial schedules for the time ahead, it is foreseen that the remaining cases can be conducted in three court rooms instead of the existing four,'' Tribunal's Spokesman, Roland Amoussouga told Hirondelle News Agency on Wednesday.

He said some minor modification had been introduced to adjust the space to the new requirement at the cost of less than US$ 1,000.

He explained that for cost effectiveness, review of office space requirement would be an on going process whereby unused space would be immediately returned to the landlord, the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC).

A total of five cases involving 16 accused are awaiting judgment, four cases with five defendants are in various stages of proceedings whereas three new cases are awaiting commencement of trial.

ICTR expects to wind up its first instance trials by December, 2011.

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© Hirondelle News Agency