28.10.11 - ICTR/CASES - PROSECUTION'S TESTIMONY IN SPECIAL HEARINGS FOR KABUGA ENDS

28 October 2011 By

Arusha, October 28, 2011 -The prosecution's testimony in the special hearings concerning the most wanted genocide fugitive, Félicien Kabuga, came to the end on Thursday before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), according to the spokesperson of the Tribunal, Roland Amoussouga.

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The prosecution had previously indicated that it would call at least 44 witnesses in the special deposition proceedings, which commenced on May 23, 2011. The proceedings were being held in total closed session.

Following such new development, Judge Vagn Joensen adjourned the proceedings sine die.

Kabuga, who is considered the financier of the 1994 genocide, is charged with conspiracy to commit genocide, genocide or in the alternative, complicity in genocide, attempted to commit genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide and crimes against humanity (persecution and extermination).

While prosecution's testimony for Kabuga comes to the end, that involving former Commander of the Rwandan Presidential Guard, Major Protais Mpiranya, commenced on October 24, 2011 and the prosecution has indicated that it would call around 30 witnesses.

Evidence preservation hearings are also expected to start soon for wanted ex-Defence Minister Augustin Bizimana.

ICTR sources allege that Kabuga is said to be carrying out his commercial activities in Kenya, while Mpiranya is allegedly being protected by senior officials in Zimbabwe, whereas Bizimana may be hiding in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

FK/GF