Counsellor of Mubuga

Vincent Rutaganira is accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, and violations of article 3 common to the Geneva Convention and of additional protocol II. Identity

• Vincent Rutaganira is believed to have been born in the early 1940s in Mubuga Sector, Gishyita Commune, Kibuye Prefecture. Vincent Rutaganira was elected as Counsellor of Mubuga Sector in 1980. He acted as Counsellor until the end of July 1994.

Charges

• On or about 14 April, 1994, Vincent Rutaganira, with others, directed members of the Gendarmerie Nationale and of the communal police of Gishyita, some Interahamwe men and some armed civilians to attack the Mubuga church and kill the people who ahd taken refuge inside. According to the prosecution, Vincent Rutaganira took part in the massacres and prevented people to escape. From April 1994 to June 1994, he allegedly took part in attacks in the region of Bisesero that caused the death of thousand of people. During the attacks, he did nothing to prevent the attacks or push the perpetrators.

Proceedings

• After six years on the run, the former counsellor decided to cross the border with Congo and to surrender.
• During his initial appearance on 26 March 2002, he pleaded not guilty.