UBUSHINJACYAHA v. UWINKINDI

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. UWINKINDI

The court held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Uwinkindi Jean participated in a coordinated campaign of violence against Tutsi by organizing a security committee, aiding roadblocks, seeking armed support from state security forces, joining and directing attacks, and enabling the killing of...

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Applicant/prosecution: UBUSHINJACYAHA; Respondent/accused: UWINKINDI Jean
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Procedural Posture
Criminal Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity Prosecution / Judgment After Trial
Outcome
Convicted
Legal Topics
Genocide, Extermination as a Crime Against Humanity, Modes of Liability/accessory Participation, Evidence and Witness Credibility, Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances, Penalty/transfer Sentencing Rule
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law International Criminal Law Genocide Crimes Against Humanity Extermination as a Crime Against Humanity Modes of Liability/accessory Participation Evidence and Witness Credibility Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances +1 more

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Parties

UBUSHINJACYAHA

Applicant/prosecution

UWINKINDI Jean

Respondent/accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity Prosecution / Judgment After Trial

  1. 1 Whether the accused participated in setting up roadblocks and a security committee used to facilitate killings of Tutsi
  2. 2 Whether the accused was involved in attacks and killings at Rwankeri, Cyugaro, Komine Kanzenze, and Kayenzi Pentecostal church
  3. 3 Whether the evidence proved genocidal intent and extermination as a crime against humanity

Ratio Decidendi

The court held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Uwinkindi Jean participated in a coordinated campaign of violence against Tutsi by organizing a security committee, aiding roadblocks, seeking armed support from state security forces, joining and directing attacks, and enabling the killing of Tutsi refugees at Kayenzi church and nearby areas. These acts demonstrated genocidal intent and the mental element for extermination as a crime against humanity. Because the case had been transferred to Rwanda, the special life sentence could not be imposed, so the court imposed ordinary life imprisonment.

Court Disposition

Convicted

Orders

  • The court accepted the prosecution's case as well-founded.
  • Uwinkindi Jean was convicted of genocide and extermination as a crime against humanity.