In less than one year since its establishment in Arusha, Tanzania, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda ("the International Tribunal ") is going to hold its first initial appearances.

The following three (3) accused will appear before the Tribunal on May 30th and 31st, 1996:

Georges Anderson Nderubumwe Rutaganda, Jean Paul Akayesu and Clément Kayishema.

These three accused, who had been detained in Zambia, were recently transferred to the Tribunal's Detention Facility in Arusha.

Following the determination by the Registrar, that each one of the accused is indigent, a defence counsel has been assigned by the Tribunal for each of them, in connection with their fIrst appearances before the Tribunal, which shall take place without delay.

On May 30th, 1996, Georges Anderson Nderubumwe Rutaganda and Jean Paul Akayesu will appear for the first time before the Trial Chamber, presided by Judge Laïty Kama, President of the Tribunal, and composed of Judge Lennart Aspegren and Judge Navanethem Pillay.

On May 31st, 1996, Clément Kayishema will appear also before the Trial Chamber presided by Judge Laïty Kama, but composed this time of Judge Lennart Aspegren and Judge Yakov Ostrovsky.

The three accused will be assisted by their respective counsels, assigned to them by the Tribunal.