He arrived on Friday afternoon at Roissy airport in Paris, as he requested. Mbarushimana has a refugee status in France.
French policemen immediately took him before an examining magistrate who reminded him that he was under judicial supervision since December 2010, after an investigation was opened in Paris for his alleged participation to the Rwandan genocide.
Callixte Mbarushimana was surrendered to the custody of the ICC by French authorities on 25 January 2011, in accordance with the warrant of arrest delivered against him on 28 September 2010 by Pre-Trial Chamber I. In the Document Containing the Charges, the Prosecutor charged Mbarushimana with five counts of crimes against humanity (murder, inhumane acts, rape, torture, and persecution) and eight counts of war crimes (attacking civilians, murder, mutilation, cruel treatment, rape, torture, destruction of property and pillaging). The Confirmation of Charges hearing was held from 16 to 21 September 2011. The Majority of the Chamber found that there was not sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Callixte Mbarushimana could be held criminally responsible, for these counts.
Prosecution can still appeal the case.
SM/GF
© Hirondelle News Agency