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UN tribunal wraps up genocide trial of former Rwandan official

UN tribunal wraps up genocide trial of former Rwandan official

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The genocide trial of Rwanda’s former Minister of Information closed today after a month of hearings, the fastest trial so far heard before the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal (ICTR).

The genocide trial of Rwanda’s former Minister of Information closed today after a month of hearings, the fastest trial so far heard before the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal (ICTR).

During the proceedings, 13 witnesses testified for the prosecution and 11 spoke in defence of Eliezer Niyitegeka, who was part of the interim Government of Rwanda in 1994. The defendant – who faces 10 counts of genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, rape as a crime against humanity and violations of the Geneva Conventions – did not testify on his own behalf.

According to the prosecutor, the accused had personally attacked and killed persons seeking refuge in the Bisesero area of Kibuye Prefecture, where thousands of predominantly Tutsi men, women and children sought refuge from attacks that took place throughout the area between 9 April and 30 June 1994.