According to sources, Mpiranya’s Duty Counsel Francis Musei called nine witnesses during the session, which took off on April 16, 2012. The special deposition hearings are being conducted to preserve evidence in case the fugitive was arrested. 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. Similar hearings are in progress involving ICTR most wanted fugitive, Felicien Kabuga. Evidence preservation regarding defence witnesses for ex-Defence Minister Augustin Bizimana, is also expected to begin soon. ICTR sources allege that Kabuga is carrying out 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). However, other sources stress that Bizimana and Mpiranya might be dead.
FK/NI/GF