Genocide fugitive arrested in Belgium

BELGIUM - Charles Bandora, a key Genocide fugitive and one of the most wanted suspects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, has been arrested in Belgium, Prosecution has confirmed. According to Prosecution Spokesperson, Augustin Nkusi, Bandora was arrested at Zaventem International Airport as he tried to enter Belgium. Nkusi said that in 1994, Bandora was a businessman and influential member of the former ruling party MRND. He is accused of having financed the training and arming of Interahamwe militia in Bugesera, Eastern Province. “He is also charged with the killing of 400 Tutsi who had sought refuge at Ruhuha church between April 7 and 13, 1994,” said Nkusi, emphasizing that the refugees were massacred at Bandora’s orders. “He is also accused of killing Ezekiel Mugenzi and looting his property as well as another victim known as Gratien Murangira,” Nkusi added. This is not the first time Bandora is arrested; he was first arrested in Malawi on January 20, this year and released under unclear circumstances, and few days later resurfaced in Zimbabwe. Rwanda issued an international arrest warrant for Bandora who was subsequently put on an Interpol Red Notice that led to his arrest in the European capital. Nkusi praised the Belgian authorities for the move, saying that this shows that the effectiveness of international co-operation between various authorities in the identification, location and apprehension of fugitives around the world was yielding results. “We request the Belgian authorities to extradite Bandora to Rwanda to face justice; we believe justice will take its course,” Nkusi said. Ends

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Genocide fugitive arrested in Belgium