The Defence, led by Duty Counsel Francis Musei, is expected to field eight witnesses, a reliable source at the Tribunal told Hirondelle News Agency on Thursday. Five of the witnesses are from Rwanda and others from another African country, according to the source. Mpiranya, former Commander of the Presidential Guard, is accused of conspiracy to commit genocide, genocide or complicity in genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Mpiranya's special deposition proceedings for prosecution kicked off on October 24, 2011 and ended on November 3, 2011 after presentation of 14 witnesses. Special deposition hearings are being conducted to preserve evidence in case fugitives are arrested one day.
This is the first time the ICTR is to hear defence witnesses in such a case.
FK/NI/JC