Trial Chamber Three ruled that Ntampaka did not have the necessary expertise to testify about Rwandan administrative law.
‘'Being a holder of a doctorate degree in law does not qualify him as an expert in all areas of law," presiding Judge Khalida Khan stated in an oral ruling." It is the Chamber's view that he does not qualify as an expert in administrative law of Rwanda.''
Ntampaka, a doctor of law at Louvain catholic university in Belgium, was already at the ICTR in Arusha when the decision was made.
After the ruling, Ntawukulilyayo, 67, continued with his testimony. The Chamber had briefly suspended his examination-in-chief to hear the defence on whether or not Ntampaka should be an expert witness.
The accused began his evidence on December 8. Twenty-two witnesses have already testified in favour of the defendant.
Ntawukulilyayo is accused of five counts including genocide, complicity in genocide and direct and public incitement to commit genocide allegedly committed in the former sub-prefecture of Gisagara, in the prefecture of Butare, southern Rwanda. He has denied the charges.
NI/SC/JC/GF
© Hirondelle News Agency