ICTR Judgment Against Perpetrators of Genocide in Rwanda

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press Statement

Victoria Nuland

Department Spokesperson , Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 9, 2012

The United States welcomes the May 8, 2012 International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) appeal decisions in the cases of Gaspard Kanyarukiga, Aloys Ntabakuze, and Ildephonse Hategekimana. The Appeals Chamber of the ICTR affirmed the convictions of these three individuals for genocide and crimes against humanity, among other crimes. Although some counts against Ntabakuze were set aside by the Appeals Chamber, the decision indicates a careful, transparent, and balanced judicial process.

The three were sentenced to 30 years, 35 years, and life in prison, respectively. Ntabakuze and Hategekimana were both officers in the Rwandan Army (commander and lieutenant). Kanyarukiga, a businessman, was convicted of genocide based on his participation in the planning of the destruction of a church in Kivumu, which resulted in the death of approximately 2,000 civilians.

There are still nine ICTR fugitives at-large and the United States urges all countries to redouble their cooperation with the ICTR so that these fugitives can be expeditiously brought to justice.