RWANDA
Kagame closes Gacaca courts: After playing a substantial role in the prosecution of persons linked to the 1994 genocide since their establishment ten years ago, on Monday President Paul Kagame, officially closed the Gacaca courts. He said Gacaca process served as the reaffirmation of Rwandans’ ability to find solutions to their problems and empower people to take decisions to what affects their lives. Gacaca, semi-traditional courts handled over two millions trials since their creation in June 2002.
ICTR
Captain Nizeyimana gets life sentence: Judges Tuesday sentenced to life imprisonment Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crime. The judges unanimously found the ex-Rwandan army officer responsible for massacres of several individuals, including Rosalie Gicanda, the last Rwandan Tutsi queen, at various locations in Butare, South Rwanda, in April 1994.
Rwandan judiciary to hear Ryandikayo case: On Wednesday, the judges transferred to Rwanda the case for fugitive, Charles Ryandikayo. They were confident that Rwanda will actualize in practice the commitments it has made about its good faith, capacity, and willingness to enforce the highest standards of international justice. Ryandikayo, ex-manager of a restaurant in West Rwanda, is charged with genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Zigiranyirazo damage claim denied: A panel Monday denied the one million US dollars compensation request for genocide acquitted person, Protais Zigiranyirazo for violation of his fundamental rights. Zigiranyirazo, a brother-in-law of former Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana, currently living in a safe house in Arusha, had demanded the compensation for long detention and failure by Tribunal to relocate him after his acquittal. But the judges said the applicant failed to discharge his burden of setting out the particular delays. They also rejected his second claim for relocation, ruling that their duty was to interpret law and not to engage in any diplomatic negations for relocation upon acquittal of the accused.
FK/NI/GF