The Registrar of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Mr. Adama Dieng, announced today the death of Samuel Musabyimana, former Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Shyogwe in Rwanda. He passed away after a long illness on Friday, 24 January 2003 at 4.00 a.m. at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Moshi,Tanzania. The Tribunal offers its deepest condolences to his family.

Bishop Musabyimana, who was born on 6 July 1956, was arrested in Nairobi on 26 April 2001. He was charged with four counts including Genocide, Conspiracy to commit Genocide and Crimes against Humanity, specifically extermination. Bishop Musabyimana pleaded not guilty to all charges on 2 May 2001 during his initial appearance.

Bishop Samuel Musabyimana is the first accused person to pass away while in detention. His closest family was beside him during his illness.