According to the ICTR press services, the prosecution has so far called seven witnesses since the commencement of the proceedings on May 23, 2011. In the proceedings presided over by Judge Vagn Joensen in total closed session, the prosecution is expected to call at least 44 witnesses.
This is the first case in the ICTR history for the prosecution to call such big number witnesses in a single case. Kabuga (76) is charged with 11 counts of conspiracy to commit genocide, genocide, complicity in genocide and direct and public incitement to commit genocide.
He is also facing charges of crimes against humanity for murder, extermination, rape, persecution and inhuman acts and other charges of war crimes.
Kabuga's case is among three involving top-level fugitives that would be proceeded with in such way under Rule 71 bis of the ICTR Rules. The other cases involve Protais Mpiranya, who was Commander of the Presidential Guard and Augustin Bizimana, former Minister of Defence.
ICTR sources allege that Kabuga is said to be carrying out his commercial activities in Kenya, while Mpiranya is allegedly being protected by senior officials in Zimbabwe, whereas Bizimana may be hiding in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
FK/ER/GF
© Hirondelle News Agency