On 17 June 2009, the re-trial of Tharcisse Muvunyi began before Trial Chamber III at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Muvunyi is to be re-tried on the basis of the sole charge of direct and public incitement to commit genocide.

Tharcisse Muvunyi was originally found guilty on 12 September 2006 of genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide and inhumane acts as crimes against humanity. The commencement of new proceedings against Muvunyi follows a decision on 29 August 2008 by the Appeals Chamber to quash the conviction of Muvunyi and his 25-year sentence, and order a partial re-trial pursuant to Rule 118(C) of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence on the single charge. The decision was the first time a conviction had been quashed and a re-trial ordered by the Tribunal.

During the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, Tharcisse Muvunyi was the most senior military officer in the Butare préfecture and Commander of the École des sous-officiers (ESO) in Butare. The Prosecution alleges that Muvunyi travelled to communes across Butare in order to incite the local population to perpetrate massacres of Tutsi civilians.

Completion Strategy

The commencement of new proceedings against Muvunyi marks the fourth trial to begin in 2009 as the ICTR looks to meet its Completion Strategy set by the United Nations Security Council requiring all first instance trials to be completed by the end of the year. Five other defendants, Augustin Ngirabatware, Callixte Nzabonimana, Michel Bagaragaza, Jean-Baptiste Gatete and Gaspard Kanyarukiga are awaiting the commencement of their trials.

In addition, after the genocide conviction of former priest, Emmanuel Rukundo in February, the trial judgement in the case of Callixte Kalimanzira expected on 22 June 2009 will be the second judgement delivered in 2009.

Tharcisse Muvunyi

International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda