Doctor’s relief as judge blocks extradition bid over genocide claims
London 6 January 2016
A London doctor wanted over allegations of genocide in Rwanda today spoke of his “relief” after a judge blocked his extradition following a 10-year legal battle. Judge Arbuthnot said the case against the doctor was “weak”, but that there “is evidence which would be sufficient to make a case requiring an answer from him”, which could be heard in the UK. Dr Brown has been fighting extradition since 2006 when he was first arrested over the allegations. He has always denied genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide and premeditated murder during the 1994 war.
Rwanda genocide: UK judge rejects extradition bid
London 22 December 2015
A judge in London has ruled that five Rwandan men accused of taking part in the country's 1994 genocide should not be extradited to face trial. "I have concluded that this is a weak case against Dr Brown, that all of the witnesses have been undermined to a lessor or greater extent…”, the judge ruled. She also said: "From the evidence I heard and read I have no doubt at all that the overall picture of Rwanda is of an authoritarian repressive state that is not less so than it was and is probably more so than in 2008-9, a state that is stifling opposition in a number of ways.There is evidence that the state is suspected of threatening and killing those it considers to be its opponents or they simply disappear at home and abroad.There is evidence that suspects can be tortured in secret camps where basic human rights are ignored."
Captain Simbikangwa sentenced to 25 years in France
Paris 14 March 2014
A French court has jailed former Rwandan spy chief Pascal Simbikangwa for 25 years over the 1994 genocide. In a landmark trial, Simbikangwa was found guilty of complicity in genocide and complicity in crimes against humanity. Simbikangwa, 54, who is paraplegic after a car crash, was arrested in 2008 while living under an alias on the French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte.
France Blocks Extradition to Rwanda
Paris 26 February 2014
France's highest court has blocked plans to extradite three Rwandans to stand trial in Kigali on charges related to the 1994 genocide. The Court of Cassation overturned a ruling given by the appeals court last year, approving the extradition of Claude Muhayimana and Innocent Musabyimana. It also upheld a ruling by another court in September, rejecting the extradition of Colonel Laurent Serubuga, who one served as Rwanda's deputy army chief-of-staff.
Germany sentences Rwandan Ex-mayor to 14 years
Frankfurt 18 February 2014
A German court has sentenced a Rwandan former mayor, Onesphore Rwabukombe, to 14 years in prison for his role in Rwanda's 1994 genocide. The 56-year-old was found guilty of ordering the killing of hundreds of people in a church where they had sought refuge in Kiziguro. It is the first trial connected with the Rwandan genocide to take place in Germany.
Rwanda reacts angrily to ICTR acquittals
Kigali 12 February 2014
The Spokesperson of Rwanda’s National Public Prosecution Authority, Alain Mukuralinda, regretted the decisions, saying it’s unfortunate they cannot be appealed. “In our subsequent review, we may find evidence linking the Presiding Judge to these alarming acquittals and would not hesitate to make our position known,” said Mukuralinda.
ICTR Acquits General Ndindiliyimana
Arusha 11 February 2014
A Rwandan ex-paramilitary police chief found guilty of genocide by a UN-backed war crimes tribunal has been acquitted on appeal. General Augustin Ndindiliyimana was already free as his sentence was the 11 years he had spent in custody awaiting trial. He was one of the most senior figures to be sentenced by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
Mutabazi’s Last Stand: An Inside Look at Rwandan-Style Justice
5 February 2014
“If anyone knows the circumstances under which I was deported from Uganda and how the law was ignored in this process, I do not believe that there are other laws in this country that will guarantee my innocence,” Mutabazi said. “I therefore do not wish to say anything throughout this trial, but I came here to tell my family that whatever happens to me in future, this is my stand on the charges: I am not guilty of all of them and I will not defend myself against them.”
Rwanda ex-spy chief tried in Paris on genocide charges
Paris 4 February 2014
A French court has begun hearing the landmark trial of a former Rwandan intelligence chief charged with complicity in the 1994 genocide. Pascal Simbikangwa, who is paraplegic, was arrested in 2008 when he was living on France's Indian Ocean island of Mayotte. He denies all of the charges.
Rwanda Opposition leader sentenced to 15 years in prison
Kigali 13 December 2013
Rwanda's Supreme Court today (13 December 2013) sentenced opposition figure Victoire Ingabire to 15 years in jail on appeal, increasing her prison term from eight years for conspiring against the authorities. Ingabire, a Hutu and a leading critic of President Paul Kagame, who took power after a Tutsi rebellion ended the genocide, was also found guilty of spreading rumours to incite violence.
Rwanda 'refused UK police request' over genocide suspects
London 12 December 2013
Rwanda refused formal requests to assist a British police investigation into genocide suspects living in the UK, the BBC has been told. "I wrote so many letters to the Crown Prosecution Service in this country. I wrote letters to the British police asking them to investigate me. I was willing to collaborate with the police. But nothing has happened," said Dr Brown, one of the men accused of genocide . The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has revealed in 2010 it asked for what is known as "mutual legal assistance" to help the Metropolitan Police.
Case against Rwanda, Kenya,Uganda to be heard on Feb 14
22 November 2013
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) on Wednesday adjourned a case filed against the East African Community secretary general and the governments of Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya over the exclusion of Tanzania and Burundi in regional meetings. The application was filed by three Tanzanian nationals Ally Hatibu Msanga, David Geoffrey Makatha and John Adam Mwenda, all residents of Arusha.
Rwanda charges ex-presidential body guard with terrorism
Kigali 14 November 2013
A former presidential guard in Rwanda who was extradited from Uganda has been charged with terrorism. Joel Mutabazi appeared in a military court in the capital, Kigali, with 14 co-accused, including four women. The judge read six charges against Mr Mutabazi, including terrorism, forming an armed group to threaten state security, using fraudulent documents and spreading rumours inciting people to revolt against the government.
Kagame is Responsible for the Killings of Nine Spaniards
Madrid 14 October 2013
« Today, 14/10/2013, I appeared before the Spanish Investigative Judge Andreu Merelles to testify that President Paul Kagame is responsible for the death of nine Spanish citizens. » Dr. Theogene Rudasingwa. Dr. Rudasingwa testified in three specific areas before Judge Andreu Merelles covering the downing of former President Habyarimana’s plane in April 1994 killing two sitting heads of state as well as the French crew aboard the plane.
No Extradition for Colonel Serubuga
Paris 13 September 2013
A French court has ordered the release of a former Rwandan colonel, wanted by the African nation for his alleged role in the 1994 genocide. The court in Douai, France, found that at the time the atrocities were committed, genocide and crimes against humanity were not punishable by law in Rwanda, therefore Mr Serubuga could not be tried retroactively for crimes that were not part of the penal code.
8 years prison sentence for the Opposition Leader
Kigali 30 October 2012
Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire has been found guilty at her treason trial and sentenced to eight years in jail. The prosecution had requested a life sentence for the charges of threatening state security. The court also found her guilty of "belittling" Rwanda's 1994 genocide.
ICTR Sentences Ex-Youth Minister To Life Imprisonment
Arusha 31 May 2012
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has sentenced to life imprisonment former Rwandan Youth Minister Callixte Nzabonimana, for his role in the genocide in Central Rwanda. A Trial Chamber presided by Ugandan Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa convicted Nzabonimana of genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide and extermination, as a crime against humanity.
ICC Confirms Decision Not To Prosecute Mbarushimana
The Hague 30 May 2012
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has dismissed the prosecution’s appeal challenging the refusal by the lower court to confirm charges against Callixte Mbarushimana, according to a statement. The Chamber ruled in favour of Mbarushimana, the Executive Secretary of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), after dismissing all three grounds of appeal lodged by the prosecution.
"Mr Z" Seeks One Million US Dollars
Arusha 27 March 2012
Protais Zigiranyirazo, acquitted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in 2009 but still living in a safe house in Arusha, is seeking compensation of 1 million dollars and a visa to rejoin his family in Belgium.
Zigiranyirazo, also known as “Mr Z”, seeks compensation for all or part of eight years and five months in jail, alleging that “he will forever be unable to regain that excessively long period of his life, almost a decade, where he was unable to earn a living, spend time with his wife, children or grandchildren”.
Zigiranyirazo, also known as “Mr Z”, seeks compensation for all or part of eight years and five months in jail, alleging that “he will forever be unable to regain that excessively long period of his life, almost a decade, where he was unable to earn a living, spend time with his wife, children or grandchildren”.
ICTR: Prosecution Witness Gives Contradictory Evidence
Arusha 12 March 2012
A prosecution witness on Monday admitted he had received an audio interview of ex-Rwandan Planning Minister Augustin Ngirabatware done in Senegal on May 4, 1994, with Radio France Internationale. The witness, Massamba Ndiaye, had previously testified refuting Ngirabatware's claim that he was out of Rwanda between April 30 and May 5, 1994, when he is accused of committing crimes.
ICTR Sets Free Lieutenant Colonel Muvunyi
Arusha 6 March 2012
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda Tuesday granted an early release to former Rwandan military officer, Lieutenant Colonel Tharcisse Muvunyi, after having served more than twelve years of a 15-year jail term for his role in the 1994 genocide. ‘'Early released was now appropriate since more than three fourths of Muvunyi's sentence had been served,'' states part of a press release, quoting the President of the Tribunal, Judge Vagn Joensen, as saying.
French Courts Dismiss Rwandan Government Case Against Hyacinthe Rafiki
Paris 29 February 2012
Former Rwandan Public Works Minister Rafiki Hyancinthe Muhindo who was under judicial control in France since September 28, 2011 following a brief detention over an INTERPOL notice initiated upon the request of the current Rwandan government has been definitely cleared today on February 29, 2012, by French courts of the accusations leveled against him. He was accused by the current Rwandan government of participating in or leading 1994 Rwandan massacres.
ICTR: Judges Reject Prosecution Request on Ngirabatware's Passports
Arusha 28 February 2012
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has dismissed a prosecution request to examine former Rwandan Planning Minister Augustin Ngirabatware's passports, as part of its moves to contest his defence of alibi. The prosecution wanted four documents (two Rwandan diplomatic passports and an ordinary one, plus a certified copy of Ngirabatware's wife's passport) sent to a forensic expert to verify claims that some of the entry stamps were falsified.
ICTR to Deliver Judgement For Former Minister Nzabonima in March
Arusha 8 February 2012
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) is expected to deliver two judgments at the end of March in trials involving former Youth Minister, Callixte Nzabonimana and ex-Rwandan military officer, Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana, according to the President of the Tribunal, Judge Khalida Rachid Khan. In her address to a meeting of ICTR staff members held on Friday, the President also announced that judgment was projected to be delivered by June 30 in the case of former Planning Minister Augustin Ngirabatware, currently in final stage of presentation of his defence case.
Trial of Former Minister Ngirabatware Adjourned Sine Die
Arusha 3 February 2012
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) adjourned sine die the trial of former Rwandan Planning Minister Augustin Ngirabatware because of the uncertainty on dates for which the remaining two defence witness would be able to testify. The Presiding Judge William Sekule ordered that the Chamber would hold a status conference Friday (February 10) to get an update and comprehensive report on the possible date the two witnesses, DWAN 112 and DWAN 114 would give their testimony.
ICTR still looking for refuge for acquitted Rwandans
1 February 2012
_The court trying Rwandan
genocide suspects is appealing for countries to give refuge for those
acquitted, the UN tribunal's spokesman has told the BBC. Five of 10 people cleared of involvement in the 1994 killings believe they cannot return to Rwanda. They remain in a house in the Tanzanian town of Arusha, where
the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) is based, guarded
by police.
ICC Frees Rwandan Callixte Mbarushimana
The Hague 23 December 2011
_The International
Criminal Court (ICC) has released a Rwandan rebel leader after judges
ruled there was not enough evidence against him. Callixte Mbarushimana, a Hutu rebel leader, had denied ordering his fighters to kill and rape civilians in 2009. Mr Mbarushimana, a spokesman for the FDLR movement, is the first suspect brought to the court to be freed. He has returned to France, where he has refugee status.
ICTR: Ngirumpatse and Karemera given life imprisonment
Arusha 21 December 2011
_The UN war crimes court has given life sentences to two key organisers of the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
The sentences were imposed on Matthieu Ngirumpatse and Edouard Karemera, two senior members of Rwanda's former ruling party.
UN Security Council challenged to find host countries for ICTR acquittees
Arusha 5 December 2011
_The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) made a special appeal to the United Nations Security Council to find a lasting solution of getting host countries to acquitted persons who remain in safe houses under the Tribunal's protection. 'The Tribunal considers the settlement of persons acquitted by an international criminal tribunal to be a fundamental expression of the rule of law and is concerned about the consequences of failing to fulfill this obligation,'' ICTR President underlined._
Bagaragaza released from jail in Sweden
2 December 2011
_Genocide-convict Michel Bagaragaza was on 1 December 2011 released from his Swedish jail after having served two-third of an eight year sentence handed down by the ICTR for complicity to commit genocide. He is still in a guest house. He has applied for a political asylum and is waiting for the response, may be in mid December.
ICTR: Bagaragaza to be released early
Arusha 25 October 2011
For the first time ever, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda has granted early release to one of its convicts, Michel Bagaragaza, who has served three-quarters of an eight year sentence for complicity to commit genocide. Under a court order issued Monday (24 October 2011) by ICTR president Judge Khalida Rachid Khan, the former head of the Rwandan Tea Authority is to be released on December 1, 2011 from the prison in Sweden where he is currently jailed.
ICTR: Two Ex-Ministers acquitted
Arusha 30 September 2011
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Friday (30/09/2011) acquitted Rwandan ex-ministers Casimir Bizimungu and Jérome Bicamumpaka on all charges for lack of sufficient evidence. It imposed 30- year prison sentences on two other members of the former interim government, Justin Mugenzi and Prosper Mugiraneza, for their role in the 1994 genocide.
France Releases Former Minister Nsengiyunva Under legal Restrictions
Paris 28 September 2011
The Rwandan minister of Public Works in the 1994 interim government, Hyacinthe Rafiki Nsengiyumva, was freed under legal restrictions after spending 51 days on remand in a jail in Paris, according to a decision taken by a Parisian appeals court on Wednesday during a preliminary hearing. Three hours earlier the same court, presided over by Judge Edith Boizette, had rejected Rwanda's request to extradite Agathe Habyarimana, the widow of the Rwandan President killed on April 6, 1994, when his plane was shot down.
France rejects Rwanda's extradition request for Agathe Habyarimana
Paris 28 September 2011
A French court has rejected a Rwandan bid to extradite the widow of ex-President Juvenal Habyarimana, whose killing sparked the 1994 genocide. Rwandan Justice Minister Tharcisse Karugaramatold the BBC that he respected the ruling, but said she should now face trial in France.
US government drops all genocide-related charges against Kobagaya
26 August 2011
US government prosecutors asked a judge Thursday to dismiss all charges against a Rwandan man convicted earlier of lying to U.S. immigration officials about his whereabouts during the 1994 Genocide, ending a case that was the first in the US to require proof of genocide.
French court urges Interior Ministry to grant visa to General Kabiligi
Paris 25 August 2011
The administrative tribunal of Nantes (West of France) requested in a decision released on August 23 that the French Minister of Interior reexamines "within fifteen days" its decision to refuse Gratien Kabiligi a visa for the second time.
Dutch court gives Rwandan Joseph Mpambara life for genocide related crimes
The Hague 8 July 2011
A Dutch appeals court on Thursday (7 July 2011) sentenced a Rwandan citizen living in The Netherlands to life in prison for war crimes committed during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Joseph Mpambara, 43, was found guilty of having carried out an attack on a Protestant church where Tutsis had fled. The lower court, which sentenced him to 20 years in prison, had previously acquitted him on this charge.
ICTR: Kabuga duty counsel to call defence witnesses in 2012
Arusha 24 June 2011
The proceedings for Kabuga, who is considered the financier of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, took off on May 23, 2011 and the prosecution is still calling witnesses. "The deposition will go on until July 15, 2011, then there will be three months suspension to allow the defence to carry out investigations. It is expected that the hearing of defence witnesses will take place in March 2012," the ICTR Spokesperson, Roland Amoussouga, said on Friday (24 June 2011)
ICTR: Former female minister and son sentenced to life imprisonment
Arusha 24 June 2011
Pauline Nyiramasuhuko (65), former Rwandan Minister for Family and Women Affairs and her son Arsene Shalom Ntahobali were found guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity of extermination, rape and persecution and war crimes. Nyiramasuhuko was in addition convicted for conspiracy to commit genocide.
ICTR: Bernard Munyagishali pleads not guilty
Arusha 20 June 2011
Bernard Munyagishari, former President of Interahamwe for Gisenyi, today made his initial appearance before Judge Dennis C. M. Byron and pleaded not guilty to five counts charging him with conspiracy to commit genocide, genocide, complicity in genocide and crimes against humanity for murder and rape. The Prosecution alleges that Munyagishari recruited, trained and led Interahamwe militiamen in mass killings and rapes of Tutsi women in Gisenyi prefecture and beyond between April and July 1994.
ICTR sentences General Bizimungu and releases General Ndindiliyimana
17 May 2011
Former Rwandan army chief Augustin Bizimungu has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the 1994 genocide. The UN war crimes tribunal for Rwanda also convicted ex-paramilitary police chief Augustin Ndindiliyimana but released him for time already served.
Predator Drones "To Stop Genocide"
9 May 2011
The false “genocide in Rwanda” narrative has been used to punish the victims and exonerate the killers, and the killers are in power today, and they’re widely celebrated as quote “survivors of genocide.”
The Rwandan Genocide: Who killed the Hutus?
9 May 2011 (First posted on the web on 17 April 2011)
An ordinary Rwandan knows that saying that the Hutu and the Tutsi died in the genocide, is the truth. But politicians think by saying that the Hutu also died, then you are going to ask them for accountability, because if you say that the Tutsi were killed by the interahamwe, and you also say that the Hutu were killed, then you need to know who killed them. And if you start mentioning who killed them, those politicians who are in power, Kagame and the others, will be called to answer for crimes.
Interview: Prof Erlinder criticises ICTR decision
5 May 2011
Judges at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha Tanzania have banned Peter Erlinder, law professor at William Mitchell College of Law in Minnesota, and defense counsel for a Rwandan genocide suspect, Maj. Aloys Ntabakuze. Mr. Erlinder said he did not appear because he feared his life would be in danger from the Rwandan government.
Peter Erlinder banned from ICTR
The Hague 22 April 2011
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has banned controversial American attorney, Prof. Peter Erlinder, from appearing before the tribunal as a lead counsel, over misconduct and disregarding tribunal orders.
ICTR: French Lawyer accuses prosecution of colluding with Rwandan authorities
Arusha 29 March 2011
The defence for former Rwandan Minister of Youth Callixte Nzabonimana, Tuesday accused the prosecution of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) of colluding with the Rwandan authorities to lure witnesses to testify against the defendant. "The prosecution handed money to the sub-prefect of Gitarama (Central Rwanda) Immaculée Mukamasabo for the handling of witnesses in Nzabonimana case," the defendant's lead counsel Vincent Courcelle -Labrousse alleged before the Chamber.
ICTR: Gatete sentenced to life in prison
Arusha 29 March 2011
A former Rwandan mayor
has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the genocide of
1994. Jean-Baptiste Gatete, who also held a senior position in the
women's ministry, was found guilty of the massacre of hundreds of
Tutsis.
Peter Erlinder fears to travel to ICTR for threats on his life
Arusha 23 March 2011
American lawyer, Peter Erlinder, lead defence counsel for genocide-convict, Major Aloys Ntabakuze is reportedly worried to travel to Tanzania to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) for the appeal hearing of his client, allegedly for threats on his life.
Rwandan Military Court has no personan jurisdiction over exiled Rwandan politicians
27 January 2011
In a paper titled: “REPUBLIC OF RWANDA v. FAUSTIN KAYUMBA NYAMWASA and others, High Military Court of Rwanda, January, 2011: An Analysis of Jurisdiction, Substance of applicable Law and Policy Issues of the case; internationally renowned Rwandan legal scholar Charles Kambanda describes numerous legal flaws in the recent sentencing of Lt. Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa, Col. Patrick Karegeya, Major Dr Theogene Rudasingwa and Gerald Gahima.
ICTR: Ngirabatware wants all judges removed from case
20 January 2011
The Trial Chamber hearing the defence case of former Rwandan minister of Planning Augustin Ngirabatware at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) was on Monday (17 January 2011) compelled to adjourn the proceedings following the defence motion for the disqualification of judges.
Rwabukombe in trial for genocide in Germany
Frankfurt 18 January 2011
A former Rwandan mayor has gone on trial accused of ordering three Tutsi massacres during the country's 1994 genocide, in the first such case prosecuted in Frankfurt, Germany. Onesphore Rwabukombe, a 54-year-old ethnic Hutu who has lived in Germany for several years, was arrested by German police last summer.
The trial of Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana starts at ICTR
Arusha 18 January 2011
The trial of a Rwandan genocide suspect, a former army captain nicknamed the "Butcher of Butare", began on Monday (17/01/2011) before the UN tribunal trying masterminds of the 1994 mass killings. Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana is accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes which he denied in earlier hearings after his arrest and transfer to the Tanzania-based court in 2009.
Lt Hategekimana sentenced to life imprisonment
Arusha 6 December 2010
Trial Chamber II of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda composed of Judges Arlette Ramaroson, Presiding, Taghrid Hikmet and Joseph Masanche, today convicted Ildephonse Hategekimana, former Commander of the Ngoma Camp for crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Hategekimana, who was a Lieutenant in Rwanda Armed Forces, was found guilty on three counts of genocide for killing of Tutsi at Ngoma Parish and at Maison Généralice as well as crimes against humanity for murdering several others and raping one Nura Sezirahiga. The accused was acquitted of one count of complicity in genocide.
Judicial ambush: Ms Victoire Ingabire'surprise court appearance
Kigali 24 November 2010
On 23rd November 2010 late afternoon, the incarcerated Chair of the FDU-INKINGI party, Ms. Victoire INGABIRE was taken to Gasabo Court House by surprise without prior information and no prior Court summons served to her defence counsel. The Gasabo Intermediate Court informed by telephone the lawyer that the National Prosecutor requested a fresh hearing and that a Court summon for tomorrow 25th November 2010 at 08:00 is in force.
Senegal signs agreement on enforcement of ICTR sentences
Dakar 23 November 2010
The Republic of Senegal and the United Nations on 22 November 2010 in Dakar, Senegal signed an agreement on the enforcement of sentences imposed by the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). The signature of the agreement confirms the long-standing cooperation of Senegal with the Tribunal. With the agreement, Senegal becomes the eighth country approved to receive convicts under the UN Tribunal’s enforcement of sentences provisions. Mali, Benin, Swaziland, France, Italy, Sweden and Rwanda have already signed agreements on the enforcement of sentences.
Rwanda High Court denies bail to Opposition leader Ingabire
Kigali 12 November 2010
Despite the poor evidence of the prosecution during the hearing on the 8th November 2010, the High Court has stunned Rwandans and all human rights community, and decided to follow the state prosecution. It has ruled that the chairperson of FDU-Inkingi be remanded in jail awaiting her trial.
ICTR prosecutors seek life sentence for Gatete
10 November 2010
Prosecution at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) on Monday (8 November) requested the court to hand down a life sentence to the former Bourgmestre and Director in the Ministry of Women and Family Affairs, Jean-Baptiste Gatete. Gatete stands accused of six counts including Genocide, Complicity in Genocide, Conspiracy to Commit Genocide, Extermination as a Crime Against Humanity, Murder and Rape.
Kanyarukiga sentenced to 30 years in prison
Arusha 1 November 2010
A Rwandan businessman has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in destroying a church in which 2,000 Tutsis were sheltering in 1994. The Arusha based UN tribunal found Gaspard Kanyarukiga guilty of genocide and extermination as a crime against humanity.
Michel Bagaragaza transferred to Sweden
Arusha 29 October 2010
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has transferred the former head of the Rwandan Tea Authority (OCIR-Thé), Michel Bagaragaza, to Sweden. According to agencies, Bagaragaza was secretly transferred last July from an isolated area from other inmates in Arusha, Tanzania.
France refuses to extradite Dr Munyemana
Bordeaux 19 October 2010
Bordeaux's appeals court has rejected a request to extradite a Rwandan doctor wanted in his country for allegedly participating in the 1994 genocide. Munyemana says he's innocent and his lawyer Florence Bourg said Tuesday that Rwanda failed to provide documents implicating him.
No bail for accused in Rwandan General shooting
Johannesburg 7 October 2010
One of the accused in the attempted murder of an exiled Rwandan general offered a $1 million bribe to police to release him upon arrest, a South African court said Thursday.The court denied Pascal Kanyandekwe bail because of sworn affidavits from two police officers describing the offered bribe. The magistrate said if Kanyandekwe tried to avoid arrest, he may have intent to flee.
Spain wants Rwanda general extradited for genocide
Madrid 17 September 2010
Spain requested on Friday (17 Sept) that South Africa extradite an exiled Rwandan general who it wants on charges including genocide and killing four Spaniards in Rwanda in the 1990s, the Justice Ministry said.
Dr Eugene Rwamucyo released as France refuses to extradite him to Rwanda.
Versailles 15 September 2010
A French court on Wednesday (15 September 2010) rejected Kigali’s request to extradite Rwandan Doctor Eugene Rwamucyo, who is suspected of involvement in the 1994 genocide. The court in Versailles, just outside Paris, also ordered the release of Dr Rwamucyo.
Safer to stay silent: the chilling effect of Rwanda's laws on "genocide ideology" and "sectarinism"
Amnesty International, August 2010
Rwanda’s raft of repressive legislation – “genocide ideology”, “sectarianism” and “insulting the President” laws – exerts a chilling effect on numerous aspects of daily life in Rwanda, curtailing Rwandans’ ability to fulfil other human rights. This chilling effect, the cumulative result of the laws and the way that they are applied in practice, causes people who have yet to have any action taken against them fear to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and refrain from expressing views which may be legal. Several people interviewed by Amnesty International raised their concerns that legitimate criticism of the government may result in “genocide ideology” accusations.
UN extends ICTR judges’ mandate
Arusha 6 July 2010
The United Nation Security Council has extended the Terms of Office for judges of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). A press statement from ICTR, in Arusha, said that the Security Council agreed to extend the mandates of all permanent and nine ad litem judges until December, 31, 2011 or on completion of their assignments.
A Finnish court hands life in prison to Bazaramba for Genocide
Ita-Uusimaa, Finland 11 June 2010
On 11 June 2010, a court in Ita-Uusimaa, Finland, handed a life sentence to Francois Bazaramba for his role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
ICTR maintains all charges against Ngirabatware
Arusha 8 June 2010
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has rejected a motion filed by the defence team of former Planning Minister, Augustin Ngirabatware, requesting that the charge of having used public funds to finance the Interhamwe militia be revoked.
French arrest Rwandan doctor accused over genocide
Paris 26 May 2010
French authorities have arrested a Rwandan doctor accused of involvement in the 1994 genocide. Dr Eugene Rwamucyo has been wanted by Interpol since 2006, and was dismissed from his job in a hospital in northern France last month.
Rwandan President Kagame snubs lawsuit during US visit
1 May 2010
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has travelled to the US, ignoring a lawsuit filed there over the deaths of two African presidents in 1994.
Rwanda President Paul Kagame sued in Oklahoma City federal court for killing Presidents Habyarimana and Ntaryamira
Oklahoma 30 April 2010
A Lawton attorney on Thursday filed a $350 million wrongful-death civil lawsuit against the president of Rwanda, who gave a commencement speech today at Oklahoma Christian University.
Ntawangundi loses appeal
Kigali 16 April 2010
Joseph Ntawangundi, who pleaded guilty to Genocide and was sentenced by a Gacaca Court to 17 years in prison, Thursday (15 April 2010) lost his appeal. Ntawangundi even told the appeals court that he was prevented from telling the previous Gacaca court the whole truth by an earlier agreement by all Genocide deniers, most of whom are linked to FDLR, never to accept the Gacaca courts.
Zuma explains why Rwanda officers won’t return
Kampala 28 March 2010
Rwanda’s hopes of having two dissident army generals currently in self-imposed exile extradited from South Africa to face trial appear to have taken a fatal blow after President Jacob Zuma said his country is obliged to follow international laws on asylum.
Arrest warrants issued for Kayumba and Karegyeya
Kigali 24 March 2010
A highly placed source in the Prosecutor General’s office has revealed to The New Times that the government has issued international arrest warrants against Lt. Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa and Patrick Karegyeya, who are believed to be behind recent terrorist activities in and around Kigali. The two fled to South Africa.
Ingabire’s assistant pleads guilty, seeks forgiveness
Kigali 24 March 2010
Joseph Ntawangundi, Victoire Ingabire’s assistant, has pleaded guilty to Genocide-related charges before a Gacaca court of Gitwe, Eastern Provinc. He was sentenced to 17 years.
Acquitted priest transferred to Italy
Arusha 24 March 2010
Father Hormisdas Nsengimana, a Catholic priest acquitted of Genocide charges by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has been transferred to Italy.
ICTR sentences Ex-officer to 25 years imprisonment
Arusha, 25 February 2010
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) sentenced former senior Rwandan military officer Lt. Col. Ephrem Setako to 25 years jail for ordering killings of between 30 and 40 ethnic Tutsi refugees at the Mukamira military camp in northern Rwanda towards close of April 1994.
Munyemana's extradition case to be heard in June
A French Court of Appeal in the port city of Bordeaux rescheduled the ruling in the case for June 3, 2010. The decision taken yesterday comes at a time, when French court authorities have requested for additional information on the nature of the charges against Munyemana.
Italy refuses to extradite a priest to Rwanda
An Italian court has refused to extradite to Rwanda Father Emmanuel Nduwayezu because allegations against him are baseless. Father Nduwayezu was accused by the Rwandan government of participating in the 1994 genocide where he was allegedly implicated in the massacre of more than 80 pupils of Marie Merci College in Kibeho, south of Rwanda.
France to set up new court to investigate genocide
The French government has announced that it will set up a new panel to try cases of genocide and war crimes committed in France or abroad.
Habyarimana's brother who died in 1989 is convicted of participating in 1994 genocide!
Mr Melane Nzabakikante was convicted by the Rubaya Gacaca court of participating in 1994 genocide. He was found guilty of looting cows during the genocide while everybody knows that he died in 1989. His assets must be sold to allow the payment of around Rw 9 millions to compensate the afflicted. His many buildings are the target of the court to find that money. According to the BBC Great Lakes, his children who live abroad were never informed of the accusation let alone the conviction!
The failure of the international justice in Rwanda.
ICTR defense lawyer Prof Erlinder talks about the failure of the international court to deal with all criminals including members of the RPF government...
Prof Erlinder is a defense lawyer at ICTR and has become one of the experts on the ICTR where voices of the accused are so often not heard by the ICTR judges.
Prof Erlinder is a defense lawyer at ICTR and has become one of the experts on the ICTR where voices of the accused are so often not heard by the ICTR judges.
Law and Reality: Progress in Judicial Reform in Rwanda
In a well documented report, Human Rights Watch criticises the Rwandan judicial system and urges the Rwandan government to make it possible for all Rwandans to have equal access to justice, including those who suffered from crimes committed by RPA soldiers in 1994.
The US court dropped all charges against men accused of murdering US tourists.
All three men accused in this case were tortured as accepted by both defence and prosecution medical experts. Defendants’ statements were extracted only after countless hours of repetitive questioning over a period of many months, during which time they were subjected to periods of solitary confinement, positional torture, and repeated physical abuse.
The UK government refuses to extradite genocide suspects to Rwanda
The UK government refuses to extradite genocide suspects to Rwanda because they can suffer flagrant denial of justice in Rwanda