Clement Kayishema, a former Prefect of Kibuye, today began testimony in his defence before Trial Chamber 2, in the joint trial of himself and Obed Ruzindana, a former businessman. The accused began his testimony by narrating to the court his personal background.

He is the 27th Defence witness in the case that began on 9 April 1997. A total of 51 prosecution witnesses have already testified in the case.

Kayishema and Ruzindana are jointly charged with Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, Violations of Article 3 Common to the Geneva Conventions and of Additional Protocol II. They have pleaded "not guilty" to six joint counts, while Kayishema is separately charged with 18 other counts.

Internews Contributes US$ 30,000 Toward Planned ICTR Press Centre

Internews, a US non-profit organisation today contributed US$ 30,000 toward the proposed Press Centre for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The departing Chief of Internews in Arusha Ms. Allison Campbell handed the cheque to the Registrar of ICTR, Mr. Agwu Okali. The short ceremony was also attended by Mr. Chris Turpin the Manager for New Projects of Internews, Ms. Farah Stockman, the new Chief of Internews in Arusha and some senior officials of the ICTR Registry.

The proposed Press Centre will facilitate the work of journalists covering court proceedings in Arusha. The project will cost US$ 400,000 on completion. Mr. Turpin said that Internews will continue to work towards raising more funds towards the project. Mr. Okali thanked Internews for the contribution.