RWANDA TRIBUNAL PRISONERS IN COURT, DESPITE "STRIKE" THREAT

Arusha, October 26th, 2000 (FH) - All three detainees in the so-called Cyangugu trial appeared in court Thursday morning, despite a previous announcement that they were joining a boycott by 22 prisoners of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Former prefect of Cyangugu (southwest Rwanda) Emmanuel Bagambiki, former Transport Minister André Ntagerura and former Cyangugu military leader Samuel Imanishimwe were all present as the defence continued cross-questioning a prosecution witness.

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In a letter dated October 24th but released Wednesday, 22 Rwandan genocide suspects held by the ICTR had said they would observe a two-day "strike" in solidarity with Jean-Bosco Barayagwiza, a former politician and founder of hate-radio RTLM. Barayagwiza says he is boycotting his trial, which started Monday, because it will not be fair. He claims that the Tribunal is manipulated by the current Kigali government. JC/FH (CY%1026e)