Belgium to try seven Genocide suspects

Seven Rwandans living in Belgium may soon be prosecuted by the Brussels authorities for their role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Reports from Belgium indicate that the country’s prosecution has finalised investigation into four case-files that involve seven Rwandans whose names are yet to be made public. The development was confirmed by Rwanda’s Prosecutor-General Richard Muhumuza. “All the seven suspects acquired Belgian citizenship. Prosecution has completed their investigations and are now ready to present their case before court any time soon,” Muhumuza told The New Times. “These are not new cases; these people were once arrested and released on bail. The Belgian authorities say the prosecution of these suspects could begin in 2015.” The Prosecutor-General, however, said he could not disclose the suspects’ identity, saying this could jeopardise investigations. Belgian media quoted the spokesperson of the country’s prosecution Lieve Pellens saying, currently, there are 36 Rwandans suspected of taking part in the Genocide living in the European nation. Among those, 10 cases are being handled by the investigative judge, while the prosecution is conducting investigation into the other 26. However, Genocide survivors believe the number of suspects living in Belgium may be bigger than just 36. “We’re convinced the number is bigger than that but we are happy of the move being taken by Belgian authorities since it gives us the conviction that however long it may take, justice has to be served by all means,” said Egide Nkuranga, the vice president of Ibuka, an umbrella organisation of Genocide survivors associations. Comfortable in Europe Nkuranga said Genocide survivors are comfortable with the trials taking place in Europe since they help Europeans understand how brutal the Genocide was. “We are willing to offer any assistance to the courts, be it during investigations, testifying or any other means as they will request,” said Nkuranga. Belgium has never charged any Rwandan with genocide, but convicted seven of war crimes and crimes against humanity in cases tried between 2001 and 2009. These trials were grouped into what was called the Butare Cases held in 2001 in which Alphonse Higaniro was sentenced to 20 years, Vincent Ntezimana (12 years) and Catholic nuns Consolata Mukangango (Soeur Gertrude)–who was handed 15 years–and Julienne Mukabutera (Soeur Kizito) handed 12 years. In Kibungo Cases, tried in 2005, Ethienne Nzabonimana was sentenced 12 years, while Samuel Ndashyikira got ten years. In Kigali Cases (tried between 2007 and 2009), Maj. Bernard Nuyahaga was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in 2007, while Ephraim Nkezabera was in 2009 sentenced to 30 years, but he appealed and died before matter was settled. Rwanda has since issued extradition requests to Belgium but the Brussels authorities never responded on grounds that there is no extradition treaty between the countries. *** BELGIUM & TRIALS Butare cases. In 2001, Alphonse Higaniro was sentenced to 20 years, Vincent Ntezimana 12 years, and nuns Consolata Mukangango (15 years) and Julienne Mukabutera (12 years). Kibungo cases. In 2005, Ethienne Nzabonimana was sentenced to 12 years, Samuel Ndashyikira got 10 years. Kigali cases. Maj. Bernard Nuyahaga was sentenced 20 years in 2007, and Ephraim Nkezabera 30 years in 2009.

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Belgium to try seven Genocide suspects