PROSECUTOR ASKS MULTIPLE LIFE SENTENCES FOR CRIMES OF GENOCIDE COMMITTED BY FORMER RWANDAN MAYOR
Press Release
AFR/102
L/2900
PROSECUTOR ASKS MULTIPLE LIFE SENTENCES FOR CRIMES OF GENOCIDE COMMITTED BY FORMER RWANDAN MAYOR
19980928 (Reissued as received.)ARUSHA, 28 September (International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda) -- The Prosecution today asked Trial Chamber 1 of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda to impose a maximum sentence of life in prison on Jean Paul Akayesu, the former Bourgmestre of Taba who has already been found guilty of nine out of the 15 counts he was charged with in connection with the genocide in Rwanda in 1994. The sentence will be pronounced on 2 October 1998 by Chamber 1, composed of Judge Laïty Kama, presiding, and Judges Lennart Asperegen and Navanethem Pillay.
Prosecution Trial Attorney Pierre Prosper requested the Chamber to impose a sentence which is retributive and deterrent because of the gravity of the offence committed by the accused in Taba commune in Rwanda in 1994.
The Prosecutor asked the Chamber to impose multiple sentences of life imprisonment on the accused for count one of genocide, count three of crimes against humanity (extermination), count four, direct and public incitement to commit genocide (incitement), and count 13 of crimes against humanity (rape). He also asked for multiple sentencing to life imprisonment or a minimum of 30 years for counts five, seven, and nine of crimes against humanity (murder), a minimum of 25 years in prison for count 11 of crimes against humanity (torture) and 10 years imprisonment for count 14, crimes against humanity (inhumane acts).
The Prosecutor argued that, in determining the sentence, the Chamber should take into account the general practice in Rwanda regarding prison sentences, the gravity of the offence, and the individual circumstances in aggravation and/or mitigation and consider other sources in arriving at a sentence.
In his final submission, Mr. Akayesu said he joined other Rwandans in paying homage to the victims of the tragedy which befell Rwanda in 1994. However, he said, he was powerless to stop the many deaths which occurred
- 2 - Preses Release AFR/102 L/2900 28 September 1998
then. "I was a mere bourgmestre with only eight police officers"," he told the court.
The accused said that he did not carry out the task of protecting the people in his commune and was not able to prevent the killings because he was weak. "I am asking for pardon... I regret what happened in Rwanda. I also lost my relatives, my friends and many others", he told the court. The accused who said he did not accept responsibility for what happened in Rwanda in 1994 added, "I cry for all these people and God please forgive me. I place my fate in your hands, Honourable Judges, and before God. I am innocent in this case."
Mr. Akayesu made his own final submission in the case following the withdrawal of Counsel, having indicated that he no longer wished to be represented by them. A new defence Counsel will take up the case during the appeal stage.
* *** *