afrol News, 15 October - The former second in command, in charge of intelligence and military operations in Rwanda, Idelphonse Nizeyimana, has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him, when he made his first appearance today before Judge Khalida Rachid Khan.

The date for commencement of his trial will be set later.

The accused, who was initially jointly charged with two others Tharcisse Muvunyi and Idelphonse Hategekimana, is facing four counts of genocide, or in the alternative complicity in genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide and crimes against humanity.

According to the indictment, Mr Nizeyimana, through the chain of command, is alleged to have exercised authority over soldiers and personnel at the camp and was perceived as a member of the elite inner circle (Akazu) of the late President Habyarimana. He is accused of among other things of having sent a section of soldiers to the home of the former Queen of Rwanda, Rosalie Gicanda, a symbolic figure for all Tutsis and ordered her execution, which was subsequently carried out.

Mr Nizeyimana is alleged to have, planned, incited to commit, ordered, committed, or in some other way aided and abetted the planning, preparation of executions he is charged with. He is also alleged to have known, or had reason to know, that his subordinates were preparing to commit or had committed one or more of the crimes and failed to take the necessary and reasonable measurers to prevent the said acts from being committed or to punish those who were responsible.

Mr Nizeyimana was arrested in Kampala, Uganda on 5 October 2009 and was transferred to UN Detention Facility in Arusha on 6 October 2009.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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