Current:Home > MyRwanda genocide survivors criticize UN court’s call to permanently halt elderly suspect’s trial-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
Rwanda genocide survivors criticize UN court’s call to permanently halt elderly suspect’s trial
lotradecoin historical trading data access View Date:2024-12-25 21:18:53
KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — Survivors of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide criticized Tuesday a call by appeals judges at a United Nations court to indefinitely halt the trial of an alleged financer and supporter of the massacre due to the suspect’s ill health.
The ruling Monday sends the matter back to the court’s trial chamber with instructions to impose a stay on proceedings. That likely means that Félicien Kabuga, who is nearly 90, will never be prosecuted. His trial, which started last year at the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in The Hague, was halted in June because his dementia left him unable to participate in proceedings.
Appeals judges at the court also rejected a proposal to set up an alternative procedure that would have allowed evidence to be heard but without the possibility of a verdict.
The U.N. court’s chief prosecutor, Serge Brammertz, said the ruling “must be respected, even if the outcome is dissatisfying.”
Kabuga, who was arrested in France in 2020 after years as a fugitive from justice, is accused of encouraging and bankrolling the mass killing of Rwanda’s Tutsi minority. His trial came nearly three decades after the 100-day massacre left 800,000 dead.
Kabuga has pleaded not guilty to charges including genocide and persecution. He remains in custody at a U.N. detention unit in The Hague, but could be released as a result of Monday’s ruling.
“I think the world does not mean good for us. What mattered to us survivors following Kabuga’s arrest was at least justice,” said Francine Uwamariya, a genocide survivor, who says she lost her entire family at the hands of Kabuga’s henchmen.
“Look, the trial should have continued even without Kabuga. He was the planner and financer of the genocide. The court appears to be on the side of the killer, when it should be neutral,” Uwamariya said.
Uwamariya’s sentiment was echoed by Naphatal Ahishakiye, another genocide survivor and executive secretary of Ibuka, a Rwanda survivors’ organization, who said there was enough evidence to convict Kabuga.
“It’s extremely disturbing on the side of survivors, who will see Kabuga walking free. Justice should be felt by those wronged,” Ahishakiye said.
Ibuka has filed a case against Kabuga in Kigali, seeking court permission to sell off all of Kabuga’s properties to fund reparations and help survivors.
Brammertz expressed solidarity with victims and survivors of the genocide.
“They have maintained their faith in the justice process over the last three decades. I know that this outcome will be distressing and disheartening to them,” he said. “Having visited Rwanda recently, I heard very clearly how important it was that this trial be concluded.”
Brammertz said that his team of prosecutors would continue to help Rwanda and other countries seek accountability for genocide crimes and pointed to the arrest in May of another fugitive, Fulgence Kayishema, as an example that suspects can still face justice.
Kayishema was indicted by a U.N. court for allegedly organizing the slaughter of more than 2,000 ethnic Tutsi refugees — men, women and children — at a Catholic church on April 15, 1994, during the first days of the genocide. He is expected to be tried in Rwanda.
Brammertz said his office will significantly boost assistance to Rwanda’s Prosecutor General, “including through the provision of our evidence and developed expertise, to ensure more genocide fugitives stand trial for their alleged crimes.”
___
Associated Press writer Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands, contributed.
veryGood! (79857)
Related
- Clint Eastwood's Son Scott Shares How Family Is Doing After Death of Christina Sandera
- Montana man convicted of killing eagles is sentenced to 3 years in prison for related gun violations
- Ohio restricts health care for transgender kids, bans transgender girls from school sports
- Gene therapy shows promise for an inherited form of deafness
- Oklahoma city approves $7M settlement for man wrongfully imprisoned for decades
- Sex and the City Fans Won’t Believe How Much Money Carrie Bradshaw’s Tutu Just Sold For
- Transgender veterans sue to have gender-affirming surgery covered by Department of Veteran Affairs
- Doc Rivers set to become head coach of Milwaukee Bucks: Here's his entire coaching resume
- The State Fair of Texas is banning firearms, drawing threats of legal action from Republican AG
- Iran disqualifies former moderate president from running for reelection to influential assembly
Ranking
- New York county signs controversial mask ban meant to hide people's identities in public
- Iran disqualifies former moderate president from running for reelection to influential assembly
- Actor Tom Hollander received 'astonishing' Marvel check meant for Tom Holland
- 14 states are cutting individual income taxes in 2024. Here are where taxpayers are getting a break.
- Hideki Matsuyama will be without regular caddie, coach after their passports and visas were stolen
- Senator Tammy Duckworth calls on FAA to reject Boeing's request for safety waiver for the 737 Max 7
- Madison LeCroy’s Fashion Collab Includes Styles Inspired by Her Southern Charm Co-Stars
- Melissa Barrera talks 'shocking' firing from 'Scream 7' over Israel-Hamas posts
Recommendation
-
How you can get a free scoop of ice cream at Baskin Robbins Wednesday
-
14 states are cutting individual income taxes in 2024. Here are where taxpayers are getting a break.
-
6-legged dog abandoned at grocery successfully undergoes surgery to remove extra limbs
-
US growth likely slowed last quarter but still pointed to a resilient economy
-
US shoppers sharply boosted spending at retailers in July despite higher prices
-
Lauren Boebert to argue her case in first Republican primary debate after hopping districts
-
Senator Tammy Duckworth calls on FAA to reject Boeing's request for safety waiver for the 737 Max 7
-
White House launches gun safety initiative with first lady Jill Biden