“The prosecution mischaracterized its own evidence and made allegations in their briefs which were not supported,” Lead Defence Counsel, Mylene Dimitri told a Trial Chamber presided by Judge William Hussein Sekule.
She was presenting closing arguments for the defence via video-link fromCanada. She claimed that some prosecution’s testimony came from accomplice witnesses, who had material motives and their evidence, therefore, should not be taken at first value.
According to her, such witnesses lied and fabricated evidence against her client so that they could secure lesser sentences or be released from prison.
The counsel also lashed out at the prosecution’s submissions trying to make Ngirabatware responsible of crimes committed by Interahamwe. She explained that the ex-minister has not been charged with superior responsibility.
Ngirabatware is facing charges of 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.
The defence continues with its submissions on Wednesday.
FK/NI/GF