CPCR – Collectif des parties civiles pour le Rwanda Pour que justice soit faite
From May 2nd to July 6th will be held at the Paris Assize Court the appeal trial of Octavien NGENZI and Tito BARAHIRA, both sentenced in first instance to life imprisonment. The two defendants changed lawyers: they turned to the lawyers of Pascal SIMBIKANGWA, sentenced on appeal to 25 years of criminal imprisonment for genocide. So we will find for the defense Mrs. Alexandra BOURGEOT, lawyer of Tito BARAHIRA, and Mr. Fabrice EPSTEIN, for Octavien NGENZI. The latter will be assisted by Mr. CHOUAI.
As in first instance, the CPCR and several natural persons civil parties with us will be assisted by Mr. Michel LAVAL, Mrs. Sophie DECHAUMET and Mr. Kevin CHARRIER of ML & A Avocats. Other associations were also civil parties: SURVIE, FIDH, LDH, LICRA, Ibuka France and the Rwandan Community of France.
Mrs. Xavière SIMEONI has been appointed to preside over this new trial. The Public Prosecutor Mr. Frédéric BERNARDO will support the accusation.
Let’s hope that this trial can take place in serenity and dignity. The experience of the previous three trials has shown us that this was not always the case, witnesses from Rwanda were not spared by the defense, and that is saying little.
This trial is scheduled to last until July 6th. As in the past, the CPCR will try to publish the minutes of the hearings on the french part of this site every day. Let us hope that the press is also keen to inform all those around the world who are interested in this event. Survivors and victims of genocide against Tutsis are entitled to this justice.
Alain GAUTHIER, President of the CPCR
Details. The appeal will be held at the Palais de Justice in Paris, on Ile de la Cité, probably in the same courtroom as in the first instance.
There should be no hearing in the week of May 7 to 12.
