The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda today sentenced former Rwandan Mayor Gregoire Ndahimana in Kivumu to 15 years for genocide and crimes against humanity.
Deputy Spokesperson Mark C. Toner said the United States welcomes this ruling as an important step in providing justice and accountability for the Rwandan people and the international community.
He said 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.
He noted that 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.” – Mr. Toner
In July, Rwanda celebrated its independence day.
In June, a woman former Rwandan minister was sentenced to prison. The sentence was life imprisonment. The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda convicted both Pauline Nyiramasuhuko and her son, Arsene Shalom Ntahobali, for genocide, rape and other crimes. In addition, former civilian officials Sylvain Nsabimana, Joseph Kanyabashi and Elie Ndayambaje and former Lt. Colonel Alphonse Nteziryayo, were convicted for their participation, in the same indictment. Their sentences ranged from 25 to 35 years.
