Genocide accused boycott trial

2004-09-20 14:24

Arusha - The former leaders of Rwanda's army and gendarmerie boycotted the start of their own genocide trial on Monday, accusing the United Nations-mandated tribunal where it is being held of bias.

During Rwanda's 1994 genocide, the two men, Major General Augustin Bizimungu and General Ndindiliyimana, served respectively as chief of staff of the Hutu-dominated army and gendarmerie.

Both bodies played a key role in the genocide, in which around 800 000 people, mostly Tutsis, were killed.

"The only ones accused by this jurisdiction were members of or close to the former (Hutu) government (in Kigali)," said Bizimungu's French lawyer, Michel Croisier.

Accusations of partiality

"Bizimungu cannot agree to appear" because of "the partiality of the (court's) procedure," he added.

Although the ICTR is empowered to prosecute crimes allegedly committed by Tutsi former rebels who took power in Rwanda in 1994 - and who now dominate government - none of these have been indicted by the tribunal.

"I ask you to halt all proceedings against my client as long as you are not in a position to work for justice," added Croisier, who called for Bizimungu's immediate release.

"This tribunal is working closely with the Rwandan government and its western allies," said Ndindiliyimana's Canadian lawyer, Christopher Black.

"The list of judges is approved by the United States and the criminal government in Kigali," he added.

Black went on to call for the ICTR to be abolished or for its proceedings to be suspended and transferred to a country where "due process can be guaranteed."

Two other senior army officials charged with Bizimungu and Ndindiliyimana are also boycotting the trial.

- AFP