Trial of Georges Anderson Rutaganda
The trial of Georges Anderson Rutaganda resumed this morning, Tuesday 27 May 1997 before Trial Chamber I, following a recess of one and a half months. The trial resumed with the hearing of a protected Prosecution witness, designated by the letters D.D., and should continue throughout the week. During the period of recess, the Tribunal was able to start the joint trial of Clement Kayishema and Obed Ruzindana. The Tribunal has only one courtroom for two Trial Chambers and that is where the three trials are currently being conducted.
Trial of Jeun-Paul Akayesu to resume on 29 September 1997
The trial of Jean-Paul Akayesu, which resumed on 22 May 1977 for the purpose of hearing the last Prosecution witness, was adjourned until 29 September 1997. Following a closed-door status conference which took place yesterday, Monday 26 May 1997, Trial Chamber 2 ordered the adjournment in order for the defense to continue its investigations and gather their evidence, in the interest of a fair trial. Until then, apart from the ongoing trials (Clément Kayishema-Obed Ruzindana, Georges Anderson Rutaganda), other trials are expected to start before the Tribunal.