In the case of former Rwandan President of the MRND, Mathieu Ngirumpatse, the eighth defence witness code-named FGT to protect his identity for security reasons was still being examined in chief by the accused lead Counsel, Chantal Hounkpatin.
The Counsel told Hirondelle News Agency that next week she expected to field three more witnesses. Ngirumpatse's defence case started on August 24.
Ngirumpatse is jointly tried with his Vice President, Edouard Karemera who has already concluded his defence case.
The prosecutor indicted them for seven counts including genocide, complicity in genocide, incitement to commit genocide and crimes against humanity allegedly committed by members of their party and its youth wing, Interahamwe militiamen.
Another trial which was also adjourned to next week was that of Gregoire Ndahimana, former mayor of Kivumu commune in Kibuye prefecture (western Rwanda).
Three witnesses were presented in this case which kicked off Monday this week whereas three other prosecution witnesses will be fielded next week.
The accused is alleged to have planned the massacres at Nyange Parish in Kivumu commune, jointly with genocide-convict, Father Athanase Seromba, who has since been sentenced to life imprisonment and genocide-suspect still on the ran , Fulgence Kayishema. In these massacres, more than 2000 Tutsi refugees were killed.
NI/FK/GF
© Hirondelle News Agency