This article is from 'bbc', was first published or seen on Mon Sep 18 15:30:07 UTC 2006 and has 4 versions.

It has 8 recommendations - Recommend this revision.

« Previous version Next version »
Version 1 Version 2

'Genocide lawyer' quits tribunal

Mon Sep 18 16:40:09 UTC 2006

Rwanda singer on genocide charges

Mon Sep 18 17:20:14 UTC 2006
A Rwandan lawyer wanted on genocide charges has resigned from the international tribunal set up to try those behind the 1994 killings.One of Rwanda's most famous singers has gone on trial, accused of using his songs to incite violence during the 1994 genocide.
Rwanda had threatened to cut off relations with the Arusha tribunal unless Callixte Gakwaya was sacked.Simon Bikindi denies the charges and his lawyers say the charges violate his right to freedom of speech.
Meanwhile, famous Rwandan singer Simon Bikindi has gone on trial at the tribunal, accused of using his songs to incite Hutus to kill Tutsis.Meanwhile, a Rwandan lawyer wanted on genocide charges has resigned from the international tribunal set up to try the key figures behind the killings.
Some 800,000 people were slaughtered during the 100-day genocide in 1994.Some 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered in just 100 days.
Removed'Hate media'
Mr Gakwaya is wanted by the Rwandan authorities but not by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, set up to try the masterminds of the genocide.International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda chief prosecutor Hassan Bubacar Jallow said Mr Bikindi, 52, had "used his renowned talent for use in a criminal enterprise".
Bikindi's music was used to mobilise the youth to join the Interahamwe militia, the killing machine of the [former ruling party] MRND
Chief prosecutor Hassan Bubacar Jallow He was arrested earlier this month in Tanzania but released after pressure from the ICTR.
"He has resigned," said court spokesman Everard O'Donnell.
"His name has been removed from the list of eligible lawyers for the defence council of the ICTR."
Rwanda had threatened to cut links with the ICTR unless Mr Gakwaya was sacked within a week.
Ballet founder
Mr Bikindi, 52, has pleaded not guilty to six charges related to the genocide.
His lawyers argue that the charges contravene his right to freedom of speech and expression.
But chief prosecutor Hassan Bubacar Jallow said he had "used his renowned talent for use in a criminal enterprise".
"Bikindi's music was used to mobilise the youth to join the Interahamwe militia, the killing machine of the [former ruling party] MRND," he said."Bikindi's music was used to mobilise the youth to join the Interahamwe militia, the killing machine of the [former ruling party] MRND," he said.
He also added that the prosecution would investigate links between Mr Bikindi and the RTLM radio station, accused of broadcasting "hate media".He also added that the prosecution would investigate links between Mr Bikindi and the RTLM radio station, accused of broadcasting "hate media".
Several RTLM officials have been convicted of charges related to the genocide.Several RTLM officials have been convicted of charges related to the genocide.
Mr Bikindi is a former sports ministry official and founded Rwanda's Irindiro Ballet.Mr Bikindi is a former sports ministry official and founded Rwanda's Irindiro Ballet.
He was arrested five years ago in the Netherlands.He was arrested five years ago in the Netherlands.
Removed
Rwanda had threatened to cut off relations with the ICTR unless lawyer Callixte Gakwaya was sacked.
Mr Gakwaya is wanted by the Rwandan authorities but not by the , set up to try the masterminds of the genocide.
He was arrested earlier this month in Tanzania but released after pressure from the ICTR.
"He has resigned," said court spokesman Everard O'Donnell.
"His name has been removed from the list of eligible lawyers for the defence council of the ICTR."