News: Health problems hamper the trial of two former Rwandan officials in Belgium
The trial of two former Rwandan officials for genocide crimes in 1994 is experiencing difficulties due to the health problems of one of the accused. Pierre Basabose, aged 76, suffers from mental disorders which complicate the course of the legal process. This situation is reminiscent of that of Félicien Kabuga, another alleged genocide perpetrator, whose health problems also had an impact on his trial. These health problems were once again debated during the hearing at the Brussels Assize Court this Thursday.
From 2021, experts appointed by the investigating judge indicated that Pierre Basabose suffered from dementia and was incapable of discernment. His defense then argued that the charges were inadmissible, arguing that he was not able to attend his trial. Despite this, Pierre Basabose was sent back to court. However, the question of his ability to appear arose again when the proceedings opened last week. He was hospitalized for a skin infection and his mental state further deteriorated.
Faced with this situation, the question arises as to whether the trial can continue. The public prosecutor says yes, citing various case law and emphasizing the importance of such a procedure for the victims and for society in general. The prosecutor emphasizes that Pierre Basabose was still lucid during his arrest, the choice of his lawyer and his first hearings.
The civil parties, for their part, are instead pleading for the files of the two accused to be separated, in order to continue the current trial with only Séraphin Twahirwa and thus avoid any questioning of the legitimacy of the process later. The president of the Assize Court ruled in favor of continuing the procedure this Thursday. Pierre Basabose’s lawyer, Maître Jean Flamme, agreed to represent him in his absence and pleads in favor of his acquittal.
This trial is attracting considerable interest, as it brings to trial those allegedly responsible for the crimes of genocide committed in Rwanda in 1994, which resulted in the deaths of almost a million people. The continuation of the proceedings despite the accused’s health problems highlights the issues and complexity of international justice, as well as the need to ensure a fair trial for all parties involved.