KIGALI – The UN war crimes tribunal for Rwanda yesterday acquitted two former ministers of key roles in the 1994 genocide, a verdict described by the country’s chief prosecutor as “shocking”, but convicted two other former cabinet members.
Former health minister Casimir Bizimungu, who was among the highest-ranking officials to be freed by the court, thanked his lawyers and God after he was cleared of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity during the slaughter of 800,000 people.
“I am very happy and thank all the people who contributed to this success,” Mr Bizimungu told the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda’s in-house news agency.
“I will mention first my lawyers, then my family, my friends and I thank God.” Alongside Mr Bizimungu, the trial chamber also ordered the release of former foreign minister Jerome- Clement Bicamumpaka. – (Reuters)