10.02.12 - ICTR/NGIRABATWARE - NGIRABATWARE TRIAL TO RESUME ON FEBRUARY 20

10 February 2012 By

Arusha, February 10, 2012 (FH) - The trial of former Rwandan Planning Minister Augustin Ngirabatware will resume on February 20, 2011 before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), with the hearing of two defence witnesses.

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Two protected witnesses, DWAN 112 and DWAN 114, will testify for Ngirabatware, who is charged with conspiracy to commit genocide, genocide or in the alternative, complicity in genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide and extermination and rape as crimes against humanity.

According to a status conference held on Friday by Trial Chamber, witness DWAN 112 was expected to travel from Togo to the seat of the Tribunal in Arusha to give his evidence, while the testimony for witness DWAN 114 would be received through video link.

Already 33 witnesses have supported the defendant's case. Immediately after the defence testimony, the prosecution is expected to call eight extra witnesses to dispute the defence of alibi for the accused who claims that he was not in Rwanda from April 23 to May 23, 1994.

Ngirabatware alleges that he had visited Senegal and Swaziland within the controversy period. According to the Rules of the Tribunal, the defence is also entitled to call witnesses to produce "evidence in rejoinder" to contradict such rebuttal evidence, if need arises.

FK/GF