Geneva - The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs Mary Robinson, appealed to Rwanda yesterday to reverse its decision to execute over 20 Hutu prisoners accused of genocide, saying this could only trigger feelings of revenge.
Mrs Robinson expressed shock at the decision and said the executions, to be carried out by firing squads in public today, would violate the international covenant on civil and political rights.
The executions were ordered after the President, Mr Pasteur Bizimungu, turned down pleas of clemency.
Paul Cullen adds: The relief agency, Concern, appealed for clemency for the genocidaires. The agency's director, Mr David Begg, yesterday met the Rwandan ambassador to Ireland, Mr Zac Nsenga, to put the case for clemency. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, also said he was "deeply disturbed" by the planned executions.