MUHANGA — Gahogo Gacaca court, in Nyamabuye Sector, has acquitted Fr. Josephat Hitimana of Kabgayi Catholic Diocese, of Genocide charges.

The priest was acquited on Monday, days after he was summoned to appear before the court to face charges of being resposible for the death of  Thomas Manzi Ruhakana - an employee of the diocese, who was murdered at the diocese canteen during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The court ruled that Hitimana is innocent of the charges. The court however, sentenced Hitimana’s co-accused Fidele Karimwabo and Andrea Musonera to 19 years imprisonment in relation the late Thomas Manzi Ruhana’s death.

The court also handed a life sentence to Leonidas Habiyambere after finding them guilty of the deceased’s death.

Hyacenthe Murekatete a key defence witness was also released.She had been detained for giving contradicting testimony during the trial. This is the second time Fr. Hitimana, a prominent priest in Kabgayi Diocese, has been acquitted of Genocide charges.

Hitimana is the former Rector of the Catholic University of Kabgayi. He recently fell out with his superiors and he was suspended from priesthood for two years.

Ends