ICTR Judgment Against Former Rwandan Mayor of Kivumu

WASHINGTON, November 18, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press Statement

Mark C. Toner

Deputy Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

November 18, 2011

Yesterday the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) convicted Gregoire Ndahimana, former Rwandan Mayor of Kivumu, for genocide and crimes against humanity. The court sentenced Ndahimana to 15 years.

The United States welcomes this ruling as an important step in providing justice and accountability for the Rwandan people and the international community. The conviction of Mr. Ndahimana is of particular significance, because as mayor of Kivumu he had authority over the police, and yet failed to prevent the massacre of more than 1,500 people who sought refuge and protection in Nyange Church. Militia, police, civil and religious authorities participated in bulldozing the church, burying the refugees sheltered inside.

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 arrested and brought to justice.