Judges Trained on Rights of Accused

{{The presumption of innocence sometimes referred to by the Latin expression Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat (the burden of proof lies with who declares, not who denies).}}

This is the principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty and relevance of this principle is a legal right of the accused in a criminal trial, recognized in many nations including Rwanda.

While opening a two-day training workshop for over 30 judges from Muhanga primary and intermediate courts on the application of international human rights law in national courts, the Chief Justice, Sam Rugege has asked them to make sure that the principle of purity or innocence is accorded to the accused until proven guilty.

Judges would understand their role in applying human rights in their rulings.

Article 48 of UN Charter on Human rights stipulates that everyone who has been charged shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law while Respect for the rights of the defence of anyone who has been charged shall be guaranteed.

During the meeting Auke Lootsma, the Country Director of UNDP-Rwanda, has said protecting Human rights is one of three pillars of United Nation.

He said that any case should be dealt with due attention by granting freedom and rights of the suspects and if all of these lacked no justice is rendered.