In the night of 20 to 21 May 1997, Alfred Musema was transferred to the detention unit of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha. Musema had been detained in Swirzerland since his arrest by the Swiss Federal authorities on 11 February 1995.

In accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, Alfred Musema's initial appearance shall take place as soon as possible before one of the Trial Chambers of the ICTR. Alfred Musema will be defended by Ms. Marie-Paule Honegger, a Swiss lawyer from the Geneva Bar, who was assigned by the Registrar.

Alfred Musema was born on 22 August 1949 in Rutare commune, Byumba Préfecture, in Rwanda. At the time of the facts with which he is charged, he was the Manager of the Gjsovu Tea Factory in Kibuye Préfecture.

In .April, May and June 1994, Alfred Musema allegedly brought armed persons into the Bisesero area and allegedly ordered them to attack the people who had come to seek refuge there. Alfred Musema is also allegedly to have personally attacked and killed people who had come to seek refuge in Bisesero.

He is the twelfth detainee in the ICTR detention unit, and his transfer was made possible with the cooperation of the Swiss Government.