Mathias Bushishi (71), a former Rwandan prosecutor, was arrested in Belgium on Wednesday.

By Eerke Steller

He was picked up after Kigali issued an arrest warrant on charges of war crimes and genocide. Bushishi is being detained at the Forest prison in Brussels.

He had been living in the Belgian town of Laken since 2009 - and was even listed in the phonebook. On the list of Rwandan most wanted, Bushishi ranks as number 16.

Although the arrest warrant was issued by Rwanda, Belgium has jurisdiction to hear cases of crimes against humanity.

Belgian convictions

Last month two other Rwandans were arrested in Belgium and charged with genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In 2009 a Brussels court sentenced Ephrem Nkezabera – the genocide’s banker – to 30 years imprisonment.

In 2001 the same court sentenced two nuns, a university teacher and an industrialist from Rwanda.

In 2005 two Rwandan businessmen and in 2007 a Rwandan ex-major were also convicted.

Bushishi is to appear in court on Friday.

Download the print version of the International Justice Tribune 127 (PDF file)

Subscribe to the International Justice Tribune