afrol News, 2 June - Rwanda's Justice Minister expressed disappointment on the international genocide tribunal's rejection to transfer a case of a man accused of involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide which claimed over 800,000 lives.

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) rejection was on the basis that Yussuf Munyakazi would not receive a fair trial, despite the country having abolished the death penalty and constructing modern detention centre.

Tharcisse Karugarama said the tribunal made a mistake by not accepting Rwanda's request, saying measures are in place to ensure that all citizens receive fair and transparent trials as the country's judicial systems enjoys independence.

"Rwanda has been dealing with this problem since 1995. To say that fair conditions don't exist in Rwanda is not fair, but as a country we accept the court's decision," he added.

Mr Munyakazi, is accused of leading the Hutu Interahamwe militia, which killed Tutsis during the 1994 genocide, but has denied the charges saying they are "fabrications".

The ICTR, based in Arusha in Tanzania, has convicted 28 people and acquitted five who were behind the 1994 100 days of slaughter.

Mr Munyakazi was arrested on 5 May 2004 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and transferred to the UN detention facility in Arusha on 7 May 2004. During his initial appearance on 12 May 2004, he pleaded not guilty to charges brought against him by the Prosecutor that he participated in the1994 Rwanda genocide.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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