UBUSHINJACYAHA v MUNYAKAYANZA

UBUSHINJACYAHA v MUNYAKAYANZA

The appeal was dismissed because the testimony of Mukamana Agathe was found credible, knowledgeable, and not undermined by being the sole witness, minor contradictions, or alleged personal conflicts. The law allows conviction on such testimony if the court is satisfied as to its substance. The court was not obliged to call additional witnesses as requested by the appellant.

Citation
RPAA/GEN 00001/2022/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Appellant/accused: Munyakayanza Jean de Dieu
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
29 May 2025
Case Number
RPAA/GEN 00001/2022/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal
Outcome
Appeal dismissed; conviction and sentence affirmed.
Legal Topics
Genocide, Evidentiary Law, Testimonial Evidence, Appeals, Witness Credibility
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law International Crimes Genocide Evidentiary Law Testimonial Evidence Appeals Witness Credibility

Case Brief

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Munyakayanza Jean de Dieu

Appellant/accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether conviction for genocide can be based on the testimony of a single witness who is also the complainant
  2. 2 Whether alleged contradictions and personal conflicts between the witness and accused undermine the credibility of the testimony
  3. 3 Whether the court is obliged to call additional witnesses upon the accused's request

Ratio Decidendi

The appeal was dismissed because the testimony of Mukamana Agathe was found credible, knowledgeable, and not undermined by being the sole witness, minor contradictions, or alleged personal conflicts. The law allows conviction on such testimony if the court is satisfied as to its substance. The court was not obliged to call additional witnesses as requested by the appellant.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; conviction and sentence affirmed.

Orders

  • The appeal of Munyakayanza Jean de Dieu is dismissed as unfounded.
  • The judgment of the High Court, Special Chamber for International and Cross-border Crimes, case no. RPA/GEN 00125/2019/HC/HCCIC of 06/04/2022, is upheld.