08.02.11 - ICTR/RENZAHO - APPEALS JUDGEMENT FOR FORMER KIGALI GOVERNOR EXPECTED IN APRIL

Arusha, February 8, 2011 (FH) - The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) will deliver judgement in the case of former Kigali Governor, Colonel Tharcisse Renzaho, on April 1, 2011.

0 min 58Approximate reading time

On June 16, 2010, the prosecution asked the Chamber to uphold both conviction and the life imprisonment sentence imposed on the then Rwandan governor for genocide, murder and rape.

Senegalese prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye had submitted that there was sufficient evidence establishing guilt of Renzaho in killings of Tutsi civilians at various places in Kigali, including at roadblocks and Sainte-Famille Church and raping of Tutsi women under his direct control and orders.

According to him, Renzaho gave orders to select Tutsi men to be killed, leaving women whom he described as "food for assailants."

However, defence counsel François Cantier from France had sought for acquittal of his client, challenging the Trial Chamber's verdict because his client was not accorded with fair trial as most of witnesses he described as potential did not testify.

In his part, Renzaho asked the Appeals Chamber to observe justice, claiming that he had not participated in any plan to eliminate the Tutsis.

Trial Chamber I convicted Renzaho on July 14, 2009. He was found to have, among others, participated in attacks, including at Saint Famille Church in Kigali and arming the notorious interahamwe militia.

On the same day, the Chamber will also deliver judgement in the case of former Rwandan military officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Tharcisse Muvunyi, who was based in the Non-Commissioned Officers School (ESO) in Butare (South Rwanda).

FK/ER/GF

© Hirondelle News Agency