On 7 November 2007, the Defence closed its case in the trial of Simon BIKINDI, a famous Rwandan singer. Closing arguments of the Prosecution and Defence will be heard at a later date.

Bikindi is charged with Conspiracy to commit genocide (Count 1), Genocide (Count 2) or alternatively Complicity in genocide (Count 3), Direct and public incitement to commit genocide (Count 4), Murder as a Crime against humanity (Count 5) and Persecution as a Crime Against humanity (Count 6).

During the trial the Chamber heard twenty (20) Prosecution witnesses and thirty seven (37) Defence witnesses, including the Accused, over sixty one (61) trial days.

The trial began on 18 September 2006 before Trial Chamber III composed of Judges Inés Mónica Weinberg de Roca, presiding, Florence Rita Arrey and Robert Fremr.

Simon Bikindi is represented by Andreas O’Shea, from England, and Jean de Dieu Momo, from Cameroon. Headed by William Egbe, the Prosecution team includes Peter Tafah, Veronic Wright, Sulaiman Khan, Disengi Mugeyo and Amina Ibrahim.