Gitarama mechanic appears in court over Genocide crimes

SOUTHERN PROVINCE MUHANGA — Gitarama’s renowned automobile mechanic on Wednesday appeared before a Gacaca court in the area for his alleged role in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA — Gitarama’s renowned automobile mechanic on Wednesday appeared before a Gacaca court in the area for his alleged role in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis.

Hassan Bizimana, is accused of possessing a gun, manning roadblocks, and participating in attacks that claimed lives of Tutsis in the area. He also faces charges of sexually abusing one of the three females-who were under his care during the genocide. 

During the trial, Bizimana admitted to possessing a gun, saying he bought it and openly used it for four days in Gitarama before moving to Kibuye and Cyangugu.

He however, denied using the arm in any of the alleged attacks, claiming he used it to save some residents, a claim corroborated by some of his witnesses.

Witnesses said Bizimana hid and saved some people during the killings, but court questioned the motive of having the gun- before adjourning the case until next Tuesday when hearing continues.

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