Finnish court to return to Rwanda over Bazaramba

KIGALI - Fresh reports say a Finnish court plans to conduct hearings in Rwanda and Zambia as part of an appeal case filed by François Bazaramba, who is convicted of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. According to the reports, Justice Elisabeth Bygglin of the Helsinki Court of Appeal said that the hearing which requires approval from the authorities in those countries was likely take place in October. Bygglin is one of three judges set to hear the appeal case in which about 50 witnesses are reportedly likely to be heard in the appeal case. Bazaramba sought asylum in Finland, in 2003. He was convicted on two charges; intent to destroy the Tutsi population in Maraba, and spreading malicious propaganda calling for their extermination, crimes for which he was handed a life sentence. He is said to have masterminded the killing of over 5,000 people in Nyakizu, Southern Province. Bazaramba allegedly organised and maintained night patrols and road blocks, forcing the Tutsi to leave their homes. He organised the setting on fire and destruction of their homes and property. Last month, a Finnish court rejected the revision of Bazaramba’s case after his counsel requested the appeals court to squash the decision of the Porvoo district court. The appeals court also rejected the counsel’s plea against travelling to Rwanda after they alleged that they would be arrested like genocide denier Peter Erlinder. Ends

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Finnish court to return to Rwanda over Bazaramba