Another muhanga pastor appears before Gacaca

MUHANGA - A pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda (EPR) in Shogwe, Muhanga District, who was sentenced to life imprisonment over Genocide charges, has appeared before the Kabgayi Gacaca Court to answer fresh charges of Genocide being levelled against him. Pastor Anasthanse Ngirinshuti, is already serving a life sentence in Gitarama prison after he was found guilty of Genocide crimes, last year. In the new charges, Ngirinshuti is accused of killing three people who had sought refuge at Kabgayi. He also faces charges of mobilising militias who allegedly carried out the killings in the area. Witnesses allege that during the Genocide, Ngirinshuti along with soldiers lured victims to a spot that had been earmarked for carrying out the murders. However, Ngirinshuti denied the allegations arguing that he never stepped in Kabgayi during the Genocide. Hearing of the case has been set for September 22 when more witnesses are expected to come forward. Shogwe and Kabgayi are neighbouring religious zones in the former Gitarama province, where many religious leaders and Christians allegedly participated in the massacres. Hearing of the case comes days after court acquitted Father Josephat Hitimana, the former Rector of the Catholic University of Kabgayi (UCK), of Genocide charges. Ends