The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has begun conducting special deposition proceedings in the case of the most wanted fugitives in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, including former top soldier, Protais Mpiranya, believed to be holed up in Zimbabwe.
The proceedings follow a successful application by the tribunal’s prosecution earlier this year seeking to safeguard evidence against Mpiranya, who was commander of the Presidential Guard, Felicien Kabuga, a wealthy businessman, accused of financing the genocide and Augustin Bizimana, former Minister of Defence.
Mpiranya’s head carries a $5 million bounty. Kabuga and Bizimana’s respective heads also carry the same reward.
Mpiranya is believed by the ICTR to be staying in Zimbabwe although authorities in Harare deny his presence on the country’s soil.
Mpiranya was indicted for genocide, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law.
He is accused of being one of the conspirers who prepared and planned for the Rwandan genocide from late 1990 until July 1994.
During the genocide, he was commander of the Presidential Guard within the Rwanda’s army.
Mpiranya is alleged to have directed the Presidential Guard in sexually assaulting and killing Rwandan Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana and murdering 10 Belgian UN peacekeepers.
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