16.09.11 - WEEKLY SUMMARY - RWANDAN SUSPECT BEFORE ICC JUDGES

Arusha, September 16, 2011 (FH) - The International Criminal Court (ICC) Friday commenced confirmation of charges hearing for Rwandan rebel leader Callixte Mbarushimana whereas at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) the evidence phase in the case of former Rwandan Youth Minister, Callixte Nzabonimana was concluded Monday.

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ICC

Confirmation of charges hearing in the case of Mbarushimana starts: On Friday the ICC, commenced confirmation of charges hearing for Rwandan rebel leader of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Callixte Mbarushimana. The Executive Secretary of FDLR, faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, notably for rapes, acts of torture and inhumane acts committed in 2009 in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

ICTR

Case of Ex-Rwandan Minister of Youth adjourned: Genocide trial of former Rwandan Youth Minister Callixte Nzabonimana was adjourned Monday until further notice, after the testimony of a final witness, marking the end of its evidence phase. The last witness added to 38 total number of defence witness for the accused. Prosecution fielded 20 witnesses to support their case.  Nzabonimana is facing five charges of genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, extermination and murder. The Prosecution presents him as the main instigator of the killings in his home prefecture of Gitarama.

Nizeyimana allowed to call new witnesses: A Trial Chamber rendered a decision on Tuesday allowing former Rwandan military officer, Captain Ildelphonse Nizeyimana to call four new witnesses. They will testify on September 20 and 21, 2011 in the so called ‘'Rejoinder case'' to contradict the evidence given by three additional prosecution witnesses in ‘'Rebuttal case'' who allegedly challenged Nizeyimana's alibi defence over his presence in Butare prefecture (South Rwanda) in April and May 1994

Jallow reappointed ICTR Prosecutor: The United Nations Security Council Wednesday reappointed Gambian Hassan Bubacar Jallow as prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), for a term of three years, effective from September 15, 2011, running until December 31, 2014.

NI/FK/GF

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