“Jordash’s participation at the appeal hearing would be beneficial for Sagahutu and would assist the Appeals Chamber in understanding the full scope and merits of (his) arguments on appeal,” judges noted in their decision made available to Hirondelle News Agency on Monday.
According to the decision, Jordash would address the Chamber and provide assistance to the convict’s defence team on a pro bono basis, without any financial implications for the Tribunal.
Other members of the defence team are Fabien Segatwa (Lead Counsel) and Scott Martin (Co-counsel). No date has been set yet for hearing the appeal.
In the appeal, Sagahutu is challenging a lower court judgment delivered on May 17, 2011 in a case known as Military II, alongside three others, Generals, Augustin Bizimungu and Augustin Ndindiliyimana and Major Francois-Xavier Nzuwonemeye.
They were all convicted of crimes against humanity and war crimes. Bizimungu was jailed 30 years, while Ndindiliyimana was sentenced to the time served since his arrest on January 29, 2000. Nzuwonemeye and Sagahutu received 20 years custodian punishment each.
Sources say Wayne Jordash specializes in international and humanitarian law, criminal and human rights law and transitional justice issues. For sixteen years he has represented clients in the United Kingdom and in the international tribunals.
At ICTR he has was a member of defence team in cases involving Ignace Bagilishema, who was acquitted, and Michel Bagaragaza, who has completed his eight years jail term.
FK/NI/GF