Make Genocide case files priority – Murekezi

The government has once again appealed to prosecution to give priority to files that are related to the Genocide against the Tutsi so that whoever took part in the atrocities, whether they live in Rwanda or abroad, they are brought to justice.

Tuesday, December 06, 2016
Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi and Prosecutor-General Richard Muhumuza (C) poses for a photo with the new prosecutors. / Nadege Imbabazi

The government has once again appealed to prosecution to give priority to files that are related to the Genocide against the Tutsi so that whoever took part in the atrocities, whether they live in Rwanda or abroad, they are brought to justice.

Speaking during the swearing in of new state prosecutors yesterday, the Prime Minister, Anastase Murekezi, said; "We appeal to you to make thorough investigations, using the Rwandan and international law so that whoever participated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, whether Rwandan or foreign, face justice for a crime that will never expire.”

Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi speaks during swearing in ceremony in Primature. / Nadege Imbabazi
Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi (L), Minister of Justice Johnston Busingye (C) and The Minister of State in charge and Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Justice, Evode Uwizeyimana, chat after the swearing in ceremony. / Nadege Imbabazi

Murekezi advised the prosecutors to exercise patriotism, to strive for unity, to have good work ethic and to work hard and be professional among many other attributes.

"This oath is an agreement that you have had with Rwandans to deliver on all the responsibilities you were given. There are many people in this country who have studied law but the Cabinet chose you to do this job because you performed better than others. You are not prosecutors at work only; you must be exemplary wherever you are,” he said.

He reminded the prosecutors that justice should not be delayed, adding that courts need to deal with case backlog.

Prosecutor Augustine Rusanganwa swears in during swearing in ceremony. / Nadege Imbabazi
Prosecutor Esther Murigirwa swears in during swearing in ceremony. / Nadege Imbabazi

"Prosecution and the judiciary complement each other. It is important that Rwandans relate to fast justice based on well prepared case files because justice delayed is almost justice denied,” he said.

He advised the lawyers to take advantage of some opportunities that are offered by information technology like the Integrated Electronic Case Management System to work better with other organs.

The Minister of State in charge of Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Justice Evode Uwizeyimana (R) chats with Prosecutor-General Richard Muhumuza before the swearing in ceremony in Primature. / Nadege Imbabazi

Augustine Rusanganwa is a Prosecutor at the Intermediate level, Nyagatare District. After the swearing in ceremony, he told journalists that he is more interested in pursuing drug issues, embezzlement of government funds, and corruption.

"We are going to put more effort into working through transparency. We are going to work with others so that by the time we go to court, there is enough evidence. It saves time. Another opportunity we want to take advantage of, is to work with other organs to prevent crimes,” he said.

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