International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
The Defence has now closed its case in the trial of Mr. Simon Bikindi, a famous Rwandan singer whose anti-Tutsi songs were used by the government-controlled Radio Station, Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines, during the 1994 conflict. Mr. Bikindi faces a range of charges relating to genocide, including conspiracy to commit genocide and direct and public incitement to commit genocide. He is also charged with murder and persecution as crimes against humanity. The trial took place over a period of sixty-one days, during which the trial Chamber heard from twenty Prosecution witnesses and thirty-seven Defence witnesses, including the Accused. Closing arguments from the Prosecution and Defence will be heard at a later date.
The Tribunal’s press release can be found here.