The Registrar of the ICTR, Mr. Adama Dieng announced the death yesterday of Elizaphan Ntakirutimana (83) at the AICC Hospital in Arusha. Elizaphan Ntakirutimana was former Pastor of 7 th Day Adventist in Kibuye. He was released on 6 December 2006 after completing his sentence.

On 19 February 2003, Elizaphan Ntakirutimana was sentenced with his son Gerard by Trial Chamber I of the Tribunal to 10 years and 25 years respectively.

On 13 December 2004, the Appeals Chamber confirmed the sentences imposed by Trial Chamber I, affirmed the conviction of Elizaphan Ntakirutimana for aiding and abetting genocide and entered a conviction for aiding and abetting extermination as a crime against humanity. However the Appeals Chamber quashed Elizaphan’s conviction for aiding and abetting genocide for his participation in events which occurred at Mugonero.

Pastor Ntakirutimana was first arrested on 29 September 1996 in Texas. He was then released and re-arrested and transferred to the Detention Facility in Arusha on 24 March 2000. He made his initial appearance on 31 March 2000. Gérard Ntakirutimana is currently serving his sentence.