19.10.12 - WEEKLY SUMMARY - RWANDA READY TO PAY FOR UNWINKINDI DEFENCE, WAR CRIMES IN LIBYA

Arusha, October 19, 2012 (FH) – Rwanda this week disagreed with a report by monitors appointed by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) to oversee the trial of Pastor Jean Uwinkindi over lack of funds enabling his defence to conduct investigation, while Human Rights Watch claimed that war crime were committed during the capture of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

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ICTR

Rwanda demands substantive report on France referral cases: On Monday before the General Assembly in The Hague, Rwanda reiterated its concerns on delays of prosecution of two cases transferred by the Tribunal to France in 2007 and called on production of substantive reports on the matter. The cases involve Father Wenceslas Munyeshyaka and ex-Governor Laurent Bucyibaruta.

ICC

Bembar trial resumes:On Monday, the defence hearing for Jean Piere-Bemba resumed with the hearing of the sixth witness, aformer staff of the Presidential Guard of the Central African Republic (CAR). The leader of the Movement for the Liberation of Congo is charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes, for his command responsibility in crimes committed by his troops in the CAR in 2002 and 2003.

War crimes during Gaddafi’s capture: In a report published on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch claimed that opposition militias in Libya carried out mass killings on October 20, 2011 in Sirte, where former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi was also executed. Their findings call into question the assertion by Libyan authorities that Gaddafi was killed in crossfire and not after his capture.

Amnesty International calls for transfer of Al-Senussi to ICC: On Thursday, Amnesty International urged the Libyan authorities to immediately hand over Abdullah al-Senussi to the Court to face crimes against humanity charges. An official said a year after the end of hostilities, victims of serious human rights abuses by the former government as well as its opponents have yet to see justice.

 

NEXT WEEK

ICC

Presentation of Bemba’s defence case continues: On Monday (October 22), there will be continuation of presentation of defence evidence in the case of Jean Piere-Bemba, who is charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes.

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