Rwandan Genocide suspect on trial in Germany

The Prosecutor General, Martin Ngoga, has commended the ongoing trial in Germany of Onesphore Rwabukombe, a Genocide suspect, saying it’s a good progress. Rwabukombe is the first Rwandan to be charged by a German court for his role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and his trial began on Monday. “It is good progress, the trial comes after years of investigations and I am looking forward to a good outcome. We have a very good record of convictions in cases taking place abroad after those countries conducted their own investigations following our indictments,” Ngoga said. “This record defeats empty accusations of politically motivated indictments which has become a template defence by Rwandan fugitives on the run”. Rwabukombe, a former Mayor of Muvumba Commune, currently in the Eastern Province, is accused of murder, Genocide and incitement to commit both crimes.He went to Germany in 2002 and Federal officials first charged him in august 2010 over his alleged involvement in the Genocide. Witnesses claim that even at the start of the 1990-1994 liberation war, he fingered out Tutsi men and women to be killed, and even personally killed some. Later, during the peak of the Genocide, in 1994, he allegedly teamed up with Jean-Baptiste Gatete, a former Mayor of the ex-Murambi commune– now in Gatsibo District, who has also been accused of responsibility in the massacres that rocked Murambi and the former prefectures of Kibungo and Byumba. Rwabukombe is accused of allegedly organizing three massacres in which over 3,700 Tutsi were killed after having sought refuge in churches. Reports from Germany indicate that over 50 witnesses, including genocide survivors and German investigators, have been called to the 45-days trial. The judge in the Frankfurt court adjourned the case to January 25. Ends

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Rwandan Genocide suspect on trial in Germany