25.05.12 - WEEKLY SUMMARY - KATANGA TRIAL ENTERS FINAL STAGE, UN TO CONSTRUCT NEW FACILITY FOR ICTR ARCHIVES

Arusha, May 25, 2012 (FH) – The trial of two Congolese Germain Katanga and Mathieu Ngudjolo entered its final stages this week at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after presentation of closing arguments by the parties, while Tanzania announced that it has offered a land to the United Nations for construction of a facility for housing archives of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).

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ICC

Trial of two Congolese rebel leaders enters final stage: Addressing judges on the final day of presentation of closing arguments, Germain Katanga claimed he was not responsible for the attack of Bogoro village on February 24, 2003, where over 200 civilians were killed. His co-accused, Mathieu Ngudjolo alleged that he was not a member of any military group or militia within Ituri, but just a nurse, trained for community health workers.

Judges rejects Kenyans’ Ocampo Four: The Appeals Chamber Thursday refused to cancel the charges brought against four prominent Kenyans accused of orchestrating post-election violence in 2008. The four-Uhuru Kenyatta, Francis Muthaura, William Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang- who are charged with crimes against humnity.

 ICTR

Tanzania offers land to UN for construction of new structure: United Nations have decided to construct in Arusha, Northern Tanzania, a new facility to house the archives of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Assah Mwambene, Thursday said the government has already allocated a five acres land for the construction.

Prosecutor hands Ntaganzwa file to Rwanda: Prosecutor Hassan Bubacar Jallow on Thursday in Arusha, Tanzania, handed over to Rwandan Deputy Prosecutor General Alphonse Hitiyaremye, the case file for fugitive Ladislas Ntaganzwa, who is charged with genocide; direct and public incitement to commit genocide; and extermination, murder, and rape as crimes against humanity.

Judges and parties in Ngirabatware case in Rwanda: Judges and the parties in the case of ex-Rwandan Planning Minister Augustin Ngirabatware Monday moved to Rwanda to visit 28 sites, including Kigali and its surroundings, Gitarama (central Rwanda) and Gisenyi (northwest), where crimes were allegedly committed.

Rwanda

Mugesera not ready for trial: Rwandan scholar Leon Mugesera Thursday declared he was still not ready for his trial. He said he received the prosecution file on May 18 and did not get enough time for preparations. He is accused of inciting genocide in a 1992 speech delivered in Kinyarwanda at a meeting in northern Rwanda.

NEXT WEEK

SCSL

The Special Court for Sierra Leon (SCSL) will pronounce its sentence against Liberian former President Charles Taylor on May 30. He has been convicted of 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in civil war in Sierra Leone

ICTR

Judges will deliver a judgment in the case of Rwandan former Youth Minister Callixte Nzabonimana on May 31. Nzabonimana is charged with genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, extermination and murder, as crimes against humanity.

 

FK/NI/GF