Contrary to what we had written in announcing this visit of chamber III to Rwanda, five other ICTR trials have already held hearings in Kigali or on Rwandan territory.
Ignace Bagilishema had inaugurated this type of hearing in 2001, followed by André Rwamakuba in December 2005, Athanase Seromba in April 2006, Jean Mpambara and François Karera in April 2006.
During this visit to the scene, which will last from Monday to Friday, the judges and the parties will go to the former presidential residence of Kanombe, near Kigali; then they will go to Gasiza, the native village of the defendant.
In this trial, a previous visit to the scene had led the tribunal to The Hague (the Netherlands) to hear Michel Baragaza. The trial of Mr. Z will restart the following week with the testimony of ten defence witnesses. The end of the proceedings is scheduled for mid-December.
Accused of genocide and crimes against humanity, Zigiranyirazo, who has pleaded not guilty, has been calling his witnesses since October 2006. His trial began on 3 October 2005. The chamber is presided by Mrs. Ines Weinberg de Rocca, and assisted by Khalida Rachid Khan and Lee Gacuiga Muthoga.
PB/MM
© Hirondelle News Agency
