The decision by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) to transfer Jean Uwinkindi for trial in Rwanda has been described by judicial experts as a landmark ruling.

The referral of Uwinkindi to stand trial in Rwanda follows a rejection of his appeal against being transferred to the country where he allegedly committed Genocide related crimes.

The transfer is part of the completion strategy of the ICTR as it winds up business.  The decision comes shortly after the Arusha based tribunal reduced the sentences of some of the key masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, drawing a lot of criticism and anger, especially from the survivors and victims of the Genocide.

Given the nature of the ICTR’s operations, the decision to transfer a case to Rwanda is indeed a landmark.

Rwanda is capable of professionally dispensing justice, and following the extensive reforms in various areas within the judiciary, there is no doubt that, Uwinkindi will receive a fair trial.

Whereas, such decisions should have been taken years ago, it is a step in the right direction.

The ICTR ruling, should serve as precedent for other countries that are harboring suspects of the Genocide.

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