January 11, 1996

Following the public announcement by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda( ITR ), of the very first three names of genocide suspects, RDR would like to share with the public its impression on the whole business of the Tribunal.

1. RDR reiterates its genuine support to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, for it is the only forum that can, if properly handled, throw light into the rwandese tragedy.

2. However, it is extremely worried about the blatant delay of the Tribunal in taking off effectively, in order to save the people of Rwanda in general and the refugees in particular, from the cloud of collective guilty hanging over all of them, insidiously spread and maintained by RPF and its lobby.

3. Borrowing the leaf from the steps being taken to extradite and refer to the ITR three genocide suspects currently detained in Belgium, on ground of lack of competence, RDR demands that all suspects languishing in jail, especially in Switzerland, Zambia and Rwanda be handed over to the ITR.

4. The case of a rwandese national detained in Switzerland for almost a year without trial deserves a special attention from the ITR, for justice delayed is justice denied.

Indeed, since he was arrested over allegations of involvement in genocide, which falls under the sole jurisdiction of the ITR, RDR feels that he should be , as a matter of urgency, referred to the ITR for indictment or acquittal.

5. As for thousands of fellow rwandese languishing in the deadly prisons of RPF under the blank charge of genocide, and whose plight does not seem to move any more the international community despite the extreme gravity of their case, RDR requests that they be transferred as well to the ITR, due to the same reasons that

had militated for the creation of a international tribunal and the choice of its headquarters outside Rwanda.

Indeed, neither the shamble judicial system of RPF regime nor the current political environment characterized by an open policy of retribution and revenge, can guarantee a fair justice. Besides, it would be a policy of double standard to leave some suspects helplessly in the hand of RPF while others are referred to the more competent ITR.

6. The ITR should ensure that no more suspect is arrested before gathering enough evidence about his guilt. Lest, the victims should be given an opportunity to seek redress by claiming damages.

It is really obnoxious to arrest people and then start looking for evidence whereas it should be the other way round.

7. The ITR should remain judicial and avoid being dragged into cheap politicking, such as the recent move to invite the RPF government at the inaugural function of its sessions in Arusha,knowing very well that RPF is a suspect. We are reliably told that even RPF government extended an invitation to the Tribunal to visit Rwanda and that the invitation might have been accepted.

Such gesture may for sure erode the credibility of the ITR, because it goes against the judicial ethics.

For RDR

NZABANDORA Chris

Director of Information