The accused in this case also known as Military II Trial, are two former Chiefs of Staffs of the Army, General Augustin Bizimungu and that of the Gendarmerie Nationale, Augustin Ndindiliyimana. Others are ex-Commander of the Reconnaissance Battalion, Major Francois-Xavier Nzuwonemeye and Captain Innocent Sagahutu, a member of the unit.
The defendants are charged for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. They denied the charges.
During closing arguments heard for three days between June 24 and 26, 2009, the prosecution asked for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for each of the accused if found guilty as charged.
This is the second judgment of joint trial involving four military officers. On December 18, 2008, ICTR sentenced to life imprisonment three officers and set free another one in a case known as Military I Trial.
The convicts included former Director of Cabinet, Colonel Theoneste Bagosora, Lieutenant Colonel Anatole Nsengiyumva and Major Aloys Ntabakuze whereas the one who was acquitted was Brigadier General Gratien Kabiligi.
The convicts appealed against the judgment. The appeal has been scheduled for hearing on March 30.
NI/FK/ER/GF
© Hirondelle News Agency