Prosecutor v. Akayesu
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Trial Chamber
Case No. ICTR-96-4-T (1998)
- Written by Rich Walter, JD
Facts
In 1994, conflict broke out between Rwandan government forces and organized militias affiliated with Rwanda’s rival Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups. Both sides committed acts of genocidal violence against civilian noncombatants. Jean-Paul Akayesu (defendant) was the head government official of a Rwandan commune throughout this period. Akayesu stood by while acts of sexual violence, beating, torture, and murder took place. In some instances, Akayesu himself ordered or encouraged others to commit such crimes. After the violence subsided, the United Nations convened an International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). The ICTR’s jurisdiction was limited to serious violations of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, such as genocide and crimes against humanity. The ICTR’s prosecutor indicted Akayesu for numerous violations of Common Article 3.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning ()
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