The joint trial of Clement Kayishema, a former prefect of Kibuye, and Obed Ruzindana, a former businessman in Kibuye, resumed today before Trial Chamber 2 (comprising Judges William Sekule, presiding, Yakov Ostrovsky, and Tafazzal Khan), with a defence witness telling the court that Ruzindana was a businessman who never indulged in politics.

The witness, known only as DAA, added that he never saw Ruzindana in the company of members of the army nor did he see him carry any weapon during the months when massacres are alleged to have taken place in Rwanda in 1994.

He added that he had known Ruzindana since the later's early childhood and was also a family friend. DAA told the court that he was a civil servant who engaged in some business activity. He is the 18th defence witness to testify in the trial. The trial continues tomorrow when the Prosecution will cross examine the witness.

Kayishema and Ruzindana are jointly charged with Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, Violations of Article 3 Common to the Geneva Conventions and of Additional to Protocol 2. They have pleaded "not guilty" to six joint counts, while Kayishema is separately charged with 18 other counts.