/ 5 January 2005

Rwandan genocide trial back on track

The trial of four former army and police chiefs accused of genocide and war crimes in Rwanda will resume next week after a three-month suspension, the independent Hirondelle news agency covering the case reported on Wednesday.

It quoted John Kiyeyeu, the acting coordinator of the trial, as saying that hearings will resume on Monday for a period of three months.

A prosecution representative said more witnesses are expected to arrive later this week at the base of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania.

The trial was suspended on October 11 to allow time for a new lawyer to familiarise himself with the case after the resignation on health grounds of Michel Croisier, who was acting for Augustin Bizimungu, one of the accused.

Bizimungu, the Rwandan army’s chief of staff during the 1994 genocide, and three other senior army or police officials are accused of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for their alleged role in the atrocities that claimed at least 800 000 lives.

The international court has to date convicted 20 people for their part in the genocide and acquitted three. — Sapa-AFP