27.07.12 - WEEKLY SUMMARY - PARTIES BATTLE IN NGIRABATWARE CASE, ICC WARNS WITNESSES THREATS IN KENYA CASES

Arusha, July 27, 2012 (FH) –The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) this week heard closing briefs in the case of ex-Rwandan Planning Minister Augustin Ngirabatware, with prosecution and defence seeking his conviction and acquittal, respectively, while an official with the International Criminal Court (ICC) expressed his concern over intimidation of witnesses in the cases involving four Kenyans.

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ICTR

Prosecution, defence lock horns in Ngirabatware case: The prosecution Monday requested judges to sentence to life ex-Rwandan Planning Minister Augustin Ngirabatware, for his role in the 1994 genocide. In its closing brief, the prosecution claimed that the accused genocidal intent has been proved beyond reasonable doubt. But the defence sought his acquittal, alleging that the evidence he gave was more than credible and raised reasonable doubt of the prosecution’s case.  It claimed that Ngirabatware’s defence of alibi, suggesting his none participation in killing Tutsis was objective, neutral and with high probative value.

UN approves extension of judges’ tenure in Ngirabatware case: On Tuesday, the UN announced that the General Assembly adopted a decision allowing four judges to continue working with the Tribunal. Three judges hearing Ngirabatware’s case, William Hussein Sekule, Solomy Balungi Bossa and Mparany Richard Rajohnson would continue serving on the Tribunal until December 31, 2012, or the completion of the case. The Assembly also accepted the extension of mandate for ICTR President, Judge Vagn Joensen, to December 31, 2014.

ICC

Official worries witnesses’ threats in Kenya cases: Court senior official Thursday said there was continuity of witness intimidation in cases of four prominent Kenyans. He said such threats must stop and the Court together with Kenyan government was investigating to ensure those involved are booked. Four Kenyans, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Member of Parliament William Ruto, ex-Civil Servant Chief, Francis Muthaura and Journalist Joshua Arab Sang, have been indicted by the Court for crimes against humanity for their alleged role in violence after December 2007 presidential elections. Their trial before the Court has been set for April 2013.

 

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