24.02.12 - WEEKLY SUMMARY - SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION EXPANDED IN COTE D'IVOIRE

Arusha, February 24, 2012 (FH) -Judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) this week expanded the scope of investigation in Côte d'Ivoire, while their counterparts at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) authorized the transfer of genocide-fugitive Fulgence Kayishema, to Rwanda for trial of his case.

ICC

Range of investigation in Côte d'Ivoire expanded: Judges Wednesday expanded the scope of investigations in Ivory Coast to include crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court, allegedly committed between September 19, 2002 and November 28, 2010. The judges stated that there is reasonable basis to believe that acts of murder and rape that could amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity were committed.

ICTR

Judges transfers Kayishema's case to Rwanda for trial: On Wednesday, the judge transferred to Rwanda the case of genocide-fugitive and former Rwandan official, Fulgence Kayishema. They noted that Rwanda had made material changes in its law and had indicated its capacity and willingness to prosecute cases referred by the Tribunal.

Ngrirabatware's defence completes its case: The defence for former Rwandan Planning Minister Augustin Ngirabatware Wednesday closed its case after presenting 35 witnesses, including the accused. After the closure of the defence case, the Tribunal ordered the prosecution to start calling its witnesses to challenge the defendant's defence of alibi, on March 5, 2012. In his defence, 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, claims that as of April 23 to May 23, 1994 he was not in Rwanda.

FK/GF

© Hirondelle News Agency

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