‘’The Chamber orders the Duty Counsel to file his submission in response to the Prosecution’s request by Friday 15 June, 2012,’’ the decision dated May 24, reads in part.
The Prosecutor on May 9, 2012, filed his request to transfer to Rwanda the case of Ryandikayo, former restaurant manager in Gishyita commune alongside that of Aloys Ndimbati, a former mayor of Gisovu commune, both in Kibuye prefecture.
The Refferal chamber ordered the Duty Council to file his response within 14 days of his appointment.
But in a motion, Ryandikayo’s Duty Counsel, Tanzanian Nelson Merinyo requested for extension of almost five months to file the response, due to the complicity of the prosecution’s request. He also said that he received the motion on May 18, 2012.
He submitted that he intended to respond to it in a ‘’comprehensive and detailed manner’’ hence calling for more time. In its ruling, the Chamber ordered him to file his submissions not later than June 15.
Ryandikayo is charged with genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes for his role in the 1994 genocide.
The Tribunal has already determined referral applications involving Pastor Jean Uwinkindi and fugitives Fulgence Kayishema, Charles Sikubwabo, and Ladislas Ntaganzwa.
Another ruling is being awaited on referral application for genocide accused Bernard Munyagishari, the alleged leader of the Interahamwe militias in Gisenyi prefecture, North Rwanda.
NI/FK