The session was earlier planned for June 18 and 19. But, according to an oral decision delivered on June 7, the matter was pushed forward following the adjournment to July 2, 2012, the defence’s cross-examination of the last additional prosecution witness, a Nigerian diplomat.
Protected witness code named PRWIII had been called in the prosecution’s case to rebut the defence of alibi advanced by Ngirabatware that he was not in Rwanda between April 23 and May 23, 1994.
The witness commenced his evidence in chief on June 5, 2012, and the defence started the cross-examination two days later and did not complete questioning him because it needed time to investigate on certain issues relating to stamps on passport of the ex-minister.
In the case, Ngirabatware is charged with conspiracy to commit genocide, genocide or in the alternative, complicity in genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide and extermination and rape as crimes against humanity.
FK/NI