03.12.10 - ICTR/WEEKLY SUMMARY - NGIRABATWARE FAULTS FORMER RWANDAN PREMIER'S POSITION OVER GENOCIDE

Arusha, December 3, 2010 (FH) - Three trials continued before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) this week, including that of former Rwandan Planning Minister Augustin Ngirabatware, who concluded his examination in chief and blamed former Premier, Jean Kambanda, for pleading guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity.  

1 min 10Approximate reading time

He claimed that as government they did their best with the little resources available to them to put to end massacres in the country. According to him, as minister in the government led by Kambanda he went to several countries in Africa and abroad, scouting for help to stop the killing spree.

Ngirabatware insisted, therefore, that it was not true as pleaded by the premier that ‘' his government fueled genocide and failed to take proper measures to control genocide.''

Other trials involved Pentecostal Church Pastor Jean Uwinkindi and former military officer Captain Idelphonse Nizeyimana. Uwinkindi pleaded not guilty to charges of genocide and extermination, as a crime against humanity, in his further appearance before the Tribunal on Wednesday.

He is alleged to have committed the offences between April 6 and May 1994 in Kanzenze commune, Kigali Rural prefecture (Central Rwanda).   Pastor Uwinkindi entered another appearance before the Tribunal following amendments of the indictment in his case. He made his initial appearance on July 9, 2010.

In the trial of Nizeyimana, the Tribunal held a status conference wherein the prosecution indicated that it would call 50 witnesses to prove six charges of genocide and extermination, murder and rape, as crimes against humanity the accuse is facing. The defendant's trial is expected to take off on January 17, next year.

Next Monday, the Tribunal is expecting to deliver its judgement in the case of genocide-accused and former Rwandan military officer, Lieutenant Ildephonse Hategekimana, who is charged with five charges, including genocide, crimes against humanity, murder and rape.

FK/ER/GF

© Hirondelle News Agency