GASABO - Justice Minister Tharcisse Karugarama has called for all outstanding trials in the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) to be moved to Rwanda

Speaking to a group of visiting Canadian teachers yesterday, Karugarama lashed out at the ICTR for dragging its proceedings and its reluctance to transfer the suspects to the country for trial.

"The ICTR is sloppy, it’s a disaster. With its resources, the court should be doing more. 43 trials in a period of fifteen years is not excusable.” Karugarama said. "With a quarter of the funds, Rwanda would not only have tried the perpetrators but would also be rehabilitating the survivors.”

The Minister who is also the Attorney General pointed out that claims by ICTR that Rwanda is not in position to try the suspects are false and not evidence-based. 

"The ICTR plans to push on forever due to the benefits accrued from its existence, and self interests have overridden professionalism for those responsible for the court. Their decisions are aimed at lengthening the period of trials for their own benefit.”

Canadian Centre for Genocide Education coordinator Rich Hitchens, applauded the Government’s determination to accord justice to the victims while protecting the rights of perpetrators.

"Though we have heard a lot of critics regarding Rwanda especially in dispensing justice to perpetrators, what we have seen here is different to what is reported,” Hitchens said. "The country’s progress is inspiring. With limited resources the question of justice has been addressed.”

Hitchens appealed to the international community to value and appreciate the decision by Rwanda to run the Gacaca courts.

According to Karugarama the country is now in a position to hold the remainder of trials and the facilities to ensure this are already in place.

"The Government has constructed a prison that meets all the international requirements specifically to house the suspects who are waiting to be tried. Though ICTR officials approved the prison, they are yet to approve the prisoners’ transfer,” Karugarama. said.

The Minister noted that the decision to deny the transfers was based on false claims of lack of fairness in the country’s judicial system.

"Contrary to these claims, the acquittal rate in our system is 25-30 percent. That indicates that judicial pronouncements are based on evidence and not sentiments,” the minister said.

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