23.09.11 - WEEKLY PREVIEW - RWANDA TRIBUNAL TO DELIVER THREE JUDGMENTS THIS WEEK

Arusha, September 23, 2011 (FH) - The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) is expected to deliver this week its much awaited judgment in the case of four Rwandan ex-ministers, as well as two appeals judgments.  At the ICC, confirmation of charges hearings continue for three top Kenyan officials, and Congolese accused Germain Katanga is expected to start testifying in his own defence.  

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ICTR

Appeals hearings for ex-deputy governor: The Appeals Chamber will on Monday September 26 hear appeal in Arusha in the case of former Rwandan Deputy Governor Dominique Ntawukulilyayo. The appellant was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment on August 3, 2010, for genocide. Also on Monday, special hearings are due to continue to preserve evidence against most-wanted ICTR fugitive Félicien Kabuga, while defence testimonies continue in the case of former Rwandan Planning Minister Augustin Ngirabatware.

Hearing of former military officer's appeal: On September 27, the ICTR is due to hold appeals hearings in the case of former Rwandan military officer Major Aloys Ntabakuze. The ex-Commander of the Rwandan Para-Commando Battalion was convicted of genocide and given a life sentence alongside two other officers, Colonel Theoneste Bagosora and Lieutenant Colonel Aloys Nsengiyumva. Appeals hearing for the latter were conducted on  March 30, 2011, but Ntabakuze's appeal was not heard that day because his American lawyer Peter Erlinder did not show up.

Two appeals judgments on Wednesday: On September 28, the ICTR Appeals Chamber is due to deliver appeals judgments in the cases of former Rwandan military officer Ephrem Setako and businessmanYussuf Munyakazi. Setako was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment on February 25, 2010, after he was found guilty of genocide, extermination as a crime against humanity and war crimes.  Munyakazi was sentenced on June 30, 2010, to 25 years' imprisonment for genocide and extermination as a crime against humanity.

Highly awaited judgment for four former Rwandan ministers: On September 30, the ICTR is due to hand down a first instance judgment in the joint trial of four former Rwandan Ministers. The defendants in the case, commonly known as Government II, are Casimir Bizimungu (Health), Prosper Mugiraneza, (Public Service), Jérome Bicamumpaka (Foreign Affairs) and Justin Mugenzi (Trade). They are charged with genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, complicity in genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

ICC

Kenya confirmation of charges hearings continue: Confirmation of charges hearings are set to continue for three top Kenyan officials suspected of crimes against humanity for their role in 2007-2008 violence.  Hearings in the case of Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura and former Police Chief Mohamed Hussein Ali are scheduled to run until October 5.

Congolese militia leader to take the stand: The joint trial of Congolese militiamen Mathieu Ngudjolo and Germain Katanga is due to resume Tuesday. Katanga is expected to begin testifying this week in his own defence. The two are charged with crimes committted in Ituri, eastern DRC, in 2003.

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