Editor,This is a reaction to the article, “Genocide convicts alarmed by ICTR acquittals,” (The New Times, February 8).Deep sympathies to Emmanuel Ruzigana and Ludovic Nizeyumukiza (genocide convicts) but the law has always been a stubborn donkey full of vicious kicks. Therefore, “handlers” like you always get stiffer jail sentences compared to their bosses because of three factors: First, you had a perfect opportunity to refuse the “handling orders” by voting with your conscience. Second, your subsequent “handling” was the localised endorsement of criminal behaviour. And lastly, the “smoking gun” (primary evidence) was found in your hands, not your bosses. Hence, those warnings about tricky Abunuwasi that our grandmothers narrated around their smoky kitchens.Margaret S. Maringa, Baltimore (US).************************* Editor,Genocide trials first went wrong when people who committed crimes in Rwanda on other Rwandans, in broad daylight and sometimes in front of cameras, were allowed to be tried in foreign lands. This was an international plot, a conspiracy to protect them. By participating in the exercise, we asked for what we see today. Of all those ministers who were sworn-in at the French Embassy premises that day, no one will serve their sentences. Others will never be arraigned. Even Kambanda will be released when international opinion finally sours on Rwanda. When it happens, remember me.Kashaza MurengeraBaltimore,USA
