Arusha, November 23rd, 2006 (FH)-The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) on Thursday called for the conviction of the accused François Karera and the imposition of a life imprisonment sentence.
Karera, 67, former Prefect of Kigali-Rural, is charged with genocide and crimes against humanity.
Hundreds of Tutsi are alleged to have been killed on the instructions or with the encouragement of the accused in 1994 in Nyamirambo suburb (Kigali city), Rushashi commune and at Ntarama Church (Kigali-rural). He has pleaded not guilty. Arguing her case, the trial attorney Florida Kabasinga (Rwanda) said the accused had power to protect people and assure security within the whole prefecture but failed to do so.
Karera trial began on 9 January 2006 before Trial Chamber I composed of judges Erik Møse (Norway), presiding, Sergei Egorov (Russia) and Florence Rita Florence Arrey (Cameroon).
Karera is represented by Carmelle Marchessault and Steven Kelliher both from Canada.
Karera’s lawyers will present their final submission on Friday.
The former Prefect was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, in October 2001.
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