Survivors contest trial of category one case in Gacaca

SOUTHERN PROVINCE KAMONYI—A group of Genocide survivors in Murehe cell, Rukoma sector have contested the Gacaca trial of Medard Senkayire, saying the Genocide suspect was listed in Category 1, and thus unable to be tried in local courts. The survivors told court on Thursday, October 4 that Senkayire was a local security leader who had planned the deaths of over 350 residents, including the Abagamba clan. Accusations, if true, place Senkayire firmly in Category 1 status of top leaders and organisers of the 1994 Genocide. “Senkayire holds a court case No. 21309/S5/GM at Gitarama and was listed among the grade-one Genocide suspects according to Article 51/16/2004 of Gacaca,” said survivor Christine Tuyisenge. “We want to know how Senkayire’s case was sent to a local court yet he is a serial killer.” “We don’t see the circumstances under which the suspect is tried in a Gacaca court. Whatever decision is taken over his case, without contempt on the court, will not be appreciated since we were not involved in this procedure,” Tuyisenge said. Court president Deborah Mukawilingiye says that the case was sent to the court on request of National Gacaca coordinator Patrick Rwinkoko. “This court has the competence to handle the case and that is why the case is to proceed following the guidelines of Gacaca,” Mukawilingiye said. Senkayire is charged with masterminding the killings of 16 children; looting farmlands and property; possessing ammunitions & preparing roadblocks, as well as killing member of the Bagamba clan. In trial Senkayire has admitted to all charges except for the death of 16 children, which he denies, yet the court after analyzing his testimony resolved that he did not indicate his direct involvement in the killings as alleged by various testimonies from residents. He has been sentences to 30 years imprisonment without Works of General Interest. Other charged with Senkayire include Jean Mudirigi, Ildephonse Kavumbi and several prisoners whom residents say were involved in shooting and burning infants in the area. Senkayire listed the names of some people working with the Interahamwe to kill the families of Cassian Gashayija, Velantine Mukamana, Martin Twagirimana, Tharcisse Kabugu, Celestine Sebuhihari, Petero Baganiperu, and Thaddeo Twagirimana. (Only full names listed.) Ends