UBUSHINJACYAHA v KABILIMA

UBUSHINJACYAHA v KABILIMA

Kabilima Jean Damascène failed to provide credible evidence for his alibi; witness testimonies and CNLG records established his presence and participation in killings and compilation of lists for genocide. The reduction of sentence by the High Court was unjustified given the gravity of the crimes and lack of valid...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RLR V.3-2025
Parties
Applicant: Ubushinjacyaha; Respondent: Kabilima Jean Damascène
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
20 October 2020
Case Number
RPAA/GEN00009/2019/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Outcome
appeal by Kabilima dismissed; appeal by prosecution partially allowed
Legal Topics
Genocide, Alibi Defence, Assessment of Witness Credibility, Complicity in Genocide, Sentencing Principles
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law International Criminal Law Evidence Law Genocide Alibi Defence Assessment of Witness Credibility Complicity in Genocide Sentencing Principles

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Applicant

Kabilima Jean Damascène

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

  1. 1 Whether Kabilima Jean Damascène was present at Bunge during the genocide dates
  2. 2 Whether Kabilima Jean Damascène committed murder and compiled a list of Tutsi children for killing
  3. 3 Whether witness testimony was credible and consistent

Ratio Decidendi

Kabilima Jean Damascène failed to provide credible evidence for his alibi; witness testimonies and CNLG records established his presence and participation in killings and compilation of lists for genocide. The reduction of sentence by the High Court was unjustified given the gravity of the crimes and lack of valid mitigating factors. He is guilty of genocide and complicity.

Court Disposition

appeal by Kabilima dismissed; appeal by prosecution partially allowed

Orders

  • High Court judgment modified
  • Kabilima Jean Damascène convicted of genocide and complicity