Closing arguments in the case of Dominique Ntawukulilyayo, who is charged with genocide (alternatively, complicity in genocide), and direct and public incitement to commit genocide, were presented on 14 June 2010 before Trial Chamber III, composed of Judges Khalida Rachid Khan (presiding), Lee Gacuiga Muthoga, and Aydin Sefa Akay. The Prosecution requested the Defendant’s conviction and life imprisonment; the Defense requested his acquittal.

Speaking for the Prosecution, Ms. Thembile Segoete presented arguments meant to establish Ntawukulilyayo’s control over soldiers at Kabuye Hill and his subsequent responsibility for their actions, as well as his direct personal contributions.

Addressing the court, Ntawukulilyayo expressed his ongoing sadness over the events at Kabuye and of the genocide as a whole, and thanked those involved with his trial. The Defense, led by Mr. Maroufa Diabira, argued that many of the Prosecution’s witnesses were unreliable, that the Prosecution had not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and that the Defendant’s actions and good character support his innocence.

Ntawukulilyayo, former sous-prefet of Gisagara sous-prefecture in Butare prefecture, is alleged to have played a leading role in the events at Kabuye Hill in Gisagara on 23 and 24 April 1994. Tutsi refugees were encouraged and in some cases forced to gather on the hill at Kabuye where they were later killed by militiamen and government soldiers.

Ntawukulilyayo was arrested in France on 16 October 2007 and transferred to the UN Detention Facility in Arusha on 5 June 2008. He made his initial appearance in court on 10 June 2008.

Judgement of the case will be delivered on a date to be announced later.