Ad Hoc International Criminal Tribunals
RWANDA: Army chief Augustin Bizimungu 30 years sentence is confirmed
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has confirmed the 30 year sentence for former army chief Augustin Bizimungu for his role in the Rwandan genocide in 1994. In May 2011, the ICTR Trial Chamber II convicted Bizimungu of genocide, extermination, murder, and rape as crimes against humanity, and murder and rape on attacks in Ruhengeri, Kigali, Gitarama, Cyangugu, and Butare Prefectures in April, May, and June 1994. The court considered that Bizimungu, one of the most senior figures tried by the ICTR, had called for the killing of ethnic Tutsis a few days before he was made army chief, and that he had complete control over the men he commanded who were involved in the massacres. In his appeal, Bizimungu said he had urged military discipline and respect for the dignity of human life. Although the Appeals Chamber reversed some convictions, it affirmed the sentence of 30 years of imprisonment in view of the serious nature of the remaining convictions. (ICTR, 30/06/14, Jurist 01/07/14)