ICC
Confirmation of charges hearings start for three top Kenyans: Confirmation of charges hearings began Wednesday for three senior Kenyan officials suspected of crimes against humanity committed in 2007-2008 post electoral violence. Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Civil Service Head Francis Muthaura and former Police Chief Mohammed Hussein Ali were all in court in The Hague.
Confirmation of charges hearings end for Mbarushimana: Confirmation of charges hearings for Rwandan rebel leader Callixte Mbarushimana ended on Wednesday before the ICC. The prosecution presented evidence to try and convince the judges to authorize a trial, whereas the defence tried to show that the prosecutor's evidence was not strong enough. Mbarushimana, the alleged Executive Secretary of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), is suspected of crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed in 2009 in Kivu,
eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
ICTR
Rwandan ex-mayor's trial concludes: The trial of former mayor Grégoire Ndahimana ended on Thursday after the parties presented their closing arguments. Ndahimana was mayor of Kivumu commune in Kibuye prefecture, western Rwanda. He is charged with genocide or in the alternative complicity in genocide, and extermination as a crime against humanity.
End of testimonies in Nizeyimana case: The case involving ex-military officer Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana was Wednesday adjourned until further notice after witness testimonies came to an end. Ngirabatware is charged with genocide or in the alternative conspiracy to commit genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide and crimes against humanity.
Other jurisdictions
Finnish court hears Rwandan pastor's appeal in Kigali: A Finnish court sitting in the Rwandan capital Kigali Thursday called Prosecutor General Martin Ngoga to the stand during appeals hearings for Rwandan pastor François Bazaramba. Ngoga dismissed allegations of "political motivations" behind the trial. Bazaramba was sentenced to life in jail by a lower court in June 2010 for acts of genocide. The appeals trial was opened in Helsinki in August but is now sitting in Kigali, where several witnesses for prosecution and defence are expected to appear.
FK/JC/GF
© Hirondelle News Agency