PROSECUTION WITNESS CONCLUDES TESTIMONY

Arusha, March 17, 2004 (FH) – Genocide survivor and 39th prosecution witness on Wednesday concluded his cross examination in the so called ‘' Butare trial'' at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). The witness code-named QG, who started testifying on Monday, was cross-questioned by Charles Tchakoute, co-counsel for Sylvain Nsabimana,former prefect of Butare and Pierre Boulé, lead counsel for Elie Ndayambaje, former mayor for the Muganza commune.

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The two are among the six accused in this trial. The trial alternated frequently between closed and open sessions in such a away that it was difficult to get proper line of questioning and answers. On his part, counsel Boule mainly asked questions on his flight to Kabuye hill from the Gisagara market square and his whereabouts at the Kabuye massacre site. During his examination in-chief the witness alleged that Nsabimana's co-accused Joseph Kanyabashi, former mayor of Ngoma commune and Alphonse Nteziryayo, former prefect of Butare ordered soldiers, communal police and members of Hutu population to hunt and kill Tutsis in April, 1994. Following the conclusion of QG's testimony the prosecution called in its 40th witness dubbed FAE for examination in-chief. The other accused are the former Minister of women and family affairs, Pauline Nyiramasuhuko, her son and former militia leader in Butare, Arsene Shalom Ntahobali and another former prefect for Butare Alphonse Nteziryayo. The hearing continues on Thursday. This case is taking place in Trial Chamber Two of the ICTR, composed of Judge William Hussein Sekule of Tanzania (presiding), Judge Arlette Ramaroson from Madagascar and Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda. NI/CE/FH(BT''0317e)