Reuters
6 June 2010
Iran hopes to finalise a deal this week for a much-delayed pipeline to export natural gas to Pakistan by 2015, Hojjatollah Qanimifard, deputy director of investment at the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), said on Sunday.
The seven billion dollars Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline contract would be finalised this week, and based on the approved time framework, the export of gas to Pakistan would be launched by the end of 2015, he said. In a meeting in Tehran on Tuesday (tomorrow), the final approval would be delivered to officials in Pakistan and their letter of guarantee would be received, he said.
The project is crucial for Pakistan to avert a growing energy crisis already causing severe electricity shortages in the country of about 170 million. The pipeline will connect Iran’s giant South Fars gas field with Balochistan and Sindh. Iran has the world’s second-largest gas reserves after Russia.
07 June, 2010
Activists chased by Burundi police.
SAPA
7 June 2010
A meeting planned for Sunday in northern Burundi by the leaders of 12 opposition parties who have rejected the results of the May 24 local elections was banned by the authorities, officials said.
"We went this morning to Gashikanwa in Ngozi province to explain to our local party officials our firm and irrevocable decision to not take part in the presidential poll," opposition leader Leonard Nyangoma told reporters.
Nyangoma is spokesperson for the Democratic Alliance for Change in Burundi (ADC), set up just a few days ago and which groups together 13 opposition parties, including all those who pulled out of the presidential race.
Gashikanwa is 10km from the birthplace of Pierre Nkurunziza, Burundi's president who is now the only candidate still in the running for the June 28 presidential poll.
"Hundreds of police in anti-riot gear were deployed... Hundreds of activists who had already gathered were chased away and the police banned our meeting," said Nyangoma, adding that the move constituted "an abuse of our political rights and of Burundian law".
The police then escorted the opposition party leaders back out of Ngozi province.
"We were informed that a group of people were going to come and disturb law and order and threaten security in Ngozi," provincial governor Felix Niragira told reporters.
"When we saw 12 parties belonging to a coalition that is not legally recognised showing up without requesting authorisation for a meeting and without having warned us they were coming, we decided to ban the meeting," he said.
The opposition parties called for the annulment of the local elections, accusing the ruling party of "massive fraud". They then withdrew their candidates from the presidential poll in protest, leaving Nkurunziza as sole candidate.
Burundi's electoral commission dismissed the withdrawals as being of little importance and said it was continuing "serenely" with preparations for the presidential poll.
7 June 2010
A meeting planned for Sunday in northern Burundi by the leaders of 12 opposition parties who have rejected the results of the May 24 local elections was banned by the authorities, officials said.
"We went this morning to Gashikanwa in Ngozi province to explain to our local party officials our firm and irrevocable decision to not take part in the presidential poll," opposition leader Leonard Nyangoma told reporters.
Nyangoma is spokesperson for the Democratic Alliance for Change in Burundi (ADC), set up just a few days ago and which groups together 13 opposition parties, including all those who pulled out of the presidential race.
Gashikanwa is 10km from the birthplace of Pierre Nkurunziza, Burundi's president who is now the only candidate still in the running for the June 28 presidential poll.
"Hundreds of police in anti-riot gear were deployed... Hundreds of activists who had already gathered were chased away and the police banned our meeting," said Nyangoma, adding that the move constituted "an abuse of our political rights and of Burundian law".
The police then escorted the opposition party leaders back out of Ngozi province.
"We were informed that a group of people were going to come and disturb law and order and threaten security in Ngozi," provincial governor Felix Niragira told reporters.
"When we saw 12 parties belonging to a coalition that is not legally recognised showing up without requesting authorisation for a meeting and without having warned us they were coming, we decided to ban the meeting," he said.
The opposition parties called for the annulment of the local elections, accusing the ruling party of "massive fraud". They then withdrew their candidates from the presidential poll in protest, leaving Nkurunziza as sole candidate.
Burundi's electoral commission dismissed the withdrawals as being of little importance and said it was continuing "serenely" with preparations for the presidential poll.
Minnesota Green Party Demands Peter Erlinder's Release.
Green Party of Minnesota
http://www.mngreens.org
For immediate release
Friday, June 4, 2010
Contacts:
Dave Bicking, Spokesperson, 612-276-1213
Rhoda Gilman, Spokesperson, 651-224-6383
The Green Party of Minnesota joins human rights advocates and people of good will across the world to call on the U.S. government, the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations to prevail upon Rwanda to release Peter Erlinder immediately. We applaud his defense of the human and civil rights of Rwanda presidential candidate Victoire Ingabire, who was charged in April, 2010, with the same crime of which Mr. Erlinder is accused -- genocide denial.
Mrs. Ingabire's party, the United Democratic Front (FDU), works closely with the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, within the framework of the Consultative Council of Opposition Parties. Both parties have suffered governmental persecution and severe limitations on their ability to organize.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame seeks to silence Mr. Erlinder's efforts to expose the facts surrounding the 1994 Rwandan genocide (http://www.rwandadocumentsproject.net). His arrest was politically motivated and effectively punishes him for fulfilling his responsibilities as a vigorous and conscientious legal advocate for his client. "For decades Professor Erlinder has sought justice for his clients in the face of political repression," says Gena Berglund, Associate Director, International Humanitarian Law Institute of Minnesota and a member of the Green Party. "I am very skeptical of a government that locks up lawyers for speech crimes."
Peter Erlinder is a professor of law at William Mitchell College in St. Paul. In addition to his position as executive director of the Humanitarian Law Institute of Minnesota, he is Lead Counsel for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Defense Lawyers Association, past president of the National Lawyers Guild, and a practicing attorney. In an email sent to Berglund shortly before his arrest he wrote, "Victoire Ingabire, Rwandan Presidential Candidate, is like Mandela and I am very honored to be defending her."
"Rwanda remains one of the largest recipients of U.S. foreign assistance in Africa," says Berglund. "Given the U.S. government's expressed commitment to democracy and the rule of law, it is critical that the Obama Administration and the U.S. Congress uphold these values in Rwanda and demand the immediate release of Peter Erlinder."
http://www.mngreens.org
For immediate release
Friday, June 4, 2010
Contacts:
Dave Bicking, Spokesperson, 612-276-1213
Rhoda Gilman, Spokesperson, 651-224-6383
The Green Party of Minnesota joins human rights advocates and people of good will across the world to call on the U.S. government, the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations to prevail upon Rwanda to release Peter Erlinder immediately. We applaud his defense of the human and civil rights of Rwanda presidential candidate Victoire Ingabire, who was charged in April, 2010, with the same crime of which Mr. Erlinder is accused -- genocide denial.
Mrs. Ingabire's party, the United Democratic Front (FDU), works closely with the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, within the framework of the Consultative Council of Opposition Parties. Both parties have suffered governmental persecution and severe limitations on their ability to organize.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame seeks to silence Mr. Erlinder's efforts to expose the facts surrounding the 1994 Rwandan genocide (http://www.rwandadocumentsproject.net). His arrest was politically motivated and effectively punishes him for fulfilling his responsibilities as a vigorous and conscientious legal advocate for his client. "For decades Professor Erlinder has sought justice for his clients in the face of political repression," says Gena Berglund, Associate Director, International Humanitarian Law Institute of Minnesota and a member of the Green Party. "I am very skeptical of a government that locks up lawyers for speech crimes."
Peter Erlinder is a professor of law at William Mitchell College in St. Paul. In addition to his position as executive director of the Humanitarian Law Institute of Minnesota, he is Lead Counsel for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Defense Lawyers Association, past president of the National Lawyers Guild, and a practicing attorney. In an email sent to Berglund shortly before his arrest he wrote, "Victoire Ingabire, Rwandan Presidential Candidate, is like Mandela and I am very honored to be defending her."
"Rwanda remains one of the largest recipients of U.S. foreign assistance in Africa," says Berglund. "Given the U.S. government's expressed commitment to democracy and the rule of law, it is critical that the Obama Administration and the U.S. Congress uphold these values in Rwanda and demand the immediate release of Peter Erlinder."
06 June, 2010
Growing Deep State Controlled by the FLEC Raises Fears of More Violence in Congo.
AP/WNJ
6 June 2010
Original reporting by MICHELLE FAUL
KITCHANGA, Congo — The scarlet-lettered flag flaps atop a lush green hill in an apparent declaration of ownership. Here, a rebel movement called the FLEC collects taxes, appoints local officials and even polices a border post.
These former rebels, many splintered off from warlord Laurent Nkunda's former movement called the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), are accused of populating the land they have grabbed with thousands of people from neighboring Rwanda to form a deep state. The state-within-a-state is emerging in the shadow of Rwanda's genocide two decades ago, and is raising the specter of new violence in war-ravaged east Congo.
U.N. officials, legislators and traditional chiefs are already forming "pacification committees" to try and resolve the land conflicts. There are fears of the formation of local militia groups in response to the influx of people from Rwanda.
"The situation is explosive," Jean Baumbiliya Kisoloni, vice president of the provincial assembly based in Goma, said of Masisi, one of the districts under the new flag. "I am not really optimistic that this can be resolved without conflict."
Despite heavy pressure from Congolese Tutsi, the Congolese government has not facilitated the return of the refugees from Rwanda.
Nkunda was arrested in 2009 under a hastily-cobbled peace accord between longtime enemies Rwanda and Congo and his fighters were integrated into Congo's military. These fighters from the CNDP have tripled the area under their control through their deployment in the state army. They now control lucrative mines and tens of thousands of acres (hectares) of new land being repopulated.
"What's going on here now is boiling under the surface, a calm before the storm, and when it explodes ...," Camilla Olson of Refugees International said, her voice trailing off.
In the mountaintop town of Kitchanga, a woman selling cheese looks around nervously when asked if there are any foreigners around. She looks at CNDP soldiers up the dirt road, then whispers fiercely: "They're all around us. Sometimes a dozen come, some days it's just three or four."
Asked how she knew they were foreigners, she said the new arrivals claimed to be coming home, but did not know the name of Mweso town located 20 kilometers up the road and they did not know what day to go to the big market held weekly in nearby Kachuga. She said they had to be Rwandans, coming to grab land in Congo.
In the peace agreement signed last year, Rwanda, Congo and the U.N.'s refugee agency vowed to repatriate the 54,000 Congolese Tutsi refugees registered with the U.N. in Rwanda. The CNDP says many more, as many as 100,000, are living in Rwanda outside refugee camps.
But Rwanda has stalled, and most recently put off a meeting to discuss the issue for three months. And the CNDP says it will not dismantle its "parallel administration" until the Congolese government fulfills its part of the peace accord by organizing the return of the refugees and giving Tutsis positions in the government.
Meanwhile, some 12,000 families — at least 60,000 people — are reported to have crossed the border from Rwanda in recent months, according to the provincial coordinator of the National Commission for Refugees, Laingulia Njewa. Along with the new arrivals have come thousands of cattle and armed escorts, colorfully dubbed "Cows Without Borders," leading some to fear another invasion from Rwanda.
The exodus is so large that many of the newcomers might be not refugees but rather economic migrants, abandoning their tiny, overpopulated state in search of, literally, greener pastures. Rwanda's 10 million people are densely congregated at 980 per square mile compared to Congo's 60 million, who average 66 per square mile.
A report by Refugees International found that people from Rwanda are "attempting to pass themselves off as Congolese refugee returnees and arriving to areas under the protection of the CNDP, adding to the frictions that are rising."
The report found that large farms are being established in the area through heavy taxation and threats of violence to drive out land owners. It also said there were reports of armed herders in Masisi serving as a militia.
But these findings are disputed by Aloys Tegera, a Congolese Tutsi who is the director of the Pole Institute think-tank based in Goma.
"These fears of an invasion from Rwanda are the fantasy of politicians," he said. "We walked for hours in the forest looking for this new wave of refugees and found not one," he claimed in spite of eyewitness accounts.
Karl Steinacker of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees can't explain the origins of the "undocumented" people crossing from Rwanda. In addition, some 12,000 people who had been in a CNDP-controlled refugee camp in Masisi district also have gone missing, he said.
"They haven't crossed into Rwanda but they are not there any more," he said, implying the CNDP had settled them on grabbed land inside Congo.
The U.N. refugee agency has taken names of thousands of new arrivals from Rwanda but is unable to match them to names of refugees registered in Rwandan camps, he said. Steinacker said local mediation committees have had some small successes.
"But they are no match for the magnitude of the problem," he said.
Asked about the influx months ago, Information Minister Lambert Mende said officials would check the documents of new arrivals and repatriate any who proved not to be Congolese. But the government has not responded to several offers by the UN refugee agency to do a census of undocumented people.
Rwandans and Congolese have long crossed their shared border for political and economic reasons. In a manifesto published after his 2009 capture, former CNDP leader Nkunda said that without colonization, today's Congo would not exist and his Congolese home district would be part of Rwanda.
Belgian colonizers used Rwanda, a fraction the size of sprawling Congo, as a forced labor camp for Congo's mines and massive tea, coffee and timber plantations. Thousands of Rwandan Tutsis also came to settle in Congo after pogroms in 1959-1963.
6 June 2010
Original reporting by MICHELLE FAUL
KITCHANGA, Congo — The scarlet-lettered flag flaps atop a lush green hill in an apparent declaration of ownership. Here, a rebel movement called the FLEC collects taxes, appoints local officials and even polices a border post.
These former rebels, many splintered off from warlord Laurent Nkunda's former movement called the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), are accused of populating the land they have grabbed with thousands of people from neighboring Rwanda to form a deep state. The state-within-a-state is emerging in the shadow of Rwanda's genocide two decades ago, and is raising the specter of new violence in war-ravaged east Congo.
U.N. officials, legislators and traditional chiefs are already forming "pacification committees" to try and resolve the land conflicts. There are fears of the formation of local militia groups in response to the influx of people from Rwanda.
"The situation is explosive," Jean Baumbiliya Kisoloni, vice president of the provincial assembly based in Goma, said of Masisi, one of the districts under the new flag. "I am not really optimistic that this can be resolved without conflict."
Despite heavy pressure from Congolese Tutsi, the Congolese government has not facilitated the return of the refugees from Rwanda.
Nkunda was arrested in 2009 under a hastily-cobbled peace accord between longtime enemies Rwanda and Congo and his fighters were integrated into Congo's military. These fighters from the CNDP have tripled the area under their control through their deployment in the state army. They now control lucrative mines and tens of thousands of acres (hectares) of new land being repopulated.
"What's going on here now is boiling under the surface, a calm before the storm, and when it explodes ...," Camilla Olson of Refugees International said, her voice trailing off.
In the mountaintop town of Kitchanga, a woman selling cheese looks around nervously when asked if there are any foreigners around. She looks at CNDP soldiers up the dirt road, then whispers fiercely: "They're all around us. Sometimes a dozen come, some days it's just three or four."
Asked how she knew they were foreigners, she said the new arrivals claimed to be coming home, but did not know the name of Mweso town located 20 kilometers up the road and they did not know what day to go to the big market held weekly in nearby Kachuga. She said they had to be Rwandans, coming to grab land in Congo.
In the peace agreement signed last year, Rwanda, Congo and the U.N.'s refugee agency vowed to repatriate the 54,000 Congolese Tutsi refugees registered with the U.N. in Rwanda. The CNDP says many more, as many as 100,000, are living in Rwanda outside refugee camps.
But Rwanda has stalled, and most recently put off a meeting to discuss the issue for three months. And the CNDP says it will not dismantle its "parallel administration" until the Congolese government fulfills its part of the peace accord by organizing the return of the refugees and giving Tutsis positions in the government.
Meanwhile, some 12,000 families — at least 60,000 people — are reported to have crossed the border from Rwanda in recent months, according to the provincial coordinator of the National Commission for Refugees, Laingulia Njewa. Along with the new arrivals have come thousands of cattle and armed escorts, colorfully dubbed "Cows Without Borders," leading some to fear another invasion from Rwanda.
The exodus is so large that many of the newcomers might be not refugees but rather economic migrants, abandoning their tiny, overpopulated state in search of, literally, greener pastures. Rwanda's 10 million people are densely congregated at 980 per square mile compared to Congo's 60 million, who average 66 per square mile.
A report by Refugees International found that people from Rwanda are "attempting to pass themselves off as Congolese refugee returnees and arriving to areas under the protection of the CNDP, adding to the frictions that are rising."
The report found that large farms are being established in the area through heavy taxation and threats of violence to drive out land owners. It also said there were reports of armed herders in Masisi serving as a militia.
But these findings are disputed by Aloys Tegera, a Congolese Tutsi who is the director of the Pole Institute think-tank based in Goma.
"These fears of an invasion from Rwanda are the fantasy of politicians," he said. "We walked for hours in the forest looking for this new wave of refugees and found not one," he claimed in spite of eyewitness accounts.
Karl Steinacker of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees can't explain the origins of the "undocumented" people crossing from Rwanda. In addition, some 12,000 people who had been in a CNDP-controlled refugee camp in Masisi district also have gone missing, he said.
"They haven't crossed into Rwanda but they are not there any more," he said, implying the CNDP had settled them on grabbed land inside Congo.
The U.N. refugee agency has taken names of thousands of new arrivals from Rwanda but is unable to match them to names of refugees registered in Rwandan camps, he said. Steinacker said local mediation committees have had some small successes.
"But they are no match for the magnitude of the problem," he said.
Asked about the influx months ago, Information Minister Lambert Mende said officials would check the documents of new arrivals and repatriate any who proved not to be Congolese. But the government has not responded to several offers by the UN refugee agency to do a census of undocumented people.
Rwandans and Congolese have long crossed their shared border for political and economic reasons. In a manifesto published after his 2009 capture, former CNDP leader Nkunda said that without colonization, today's Congo would not exist and his Congolese home district would be part of Rwanda.
Belgian colonizers used Rwanda, a fraction the size of sprawling Congo, as a forced labor camp for Congo's mines and massive tea, coffee and timber plantations. Thousands of Rwandan Tutsis also came to settle in Congo after pogroms in 1959-1963.
DRC police chief suspended over Chebeya murder.
SAPA
6 June 2010
The chief of police in the Democratic Republic of Congo, General John Numbi, has been suspended along with several officers arrested in the probe into the death of leading human rights campaigner Floribert Chebeya, the interior minister said on Sunday.
Speaking on national television, the minister said President Joseph Kabila was "determined that all light be shed" on Chebeya's murder.
The leader of the group Voix des Sans Voix (Voice of the Voiceless) was found dead on Wednesday, tied up in the back seat of his car on a road to the west of the capital Kinshasa. His driver is still missing.
More than 50 human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have demanded an independent enquiry into the killing in an open letter to Kabila.
Calls for an independent investigation also came on Saturday from rights groups in Brazzaville in the neighbouring Republic of Congo, and on Friday from the United States, the European Union and the United Nations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Editor's Note: Reports from Congolese newspapers and people on the ground now claim that Colonel Danny Mukalay, the Head of the Special Police Services who was arrested yesterday in connection with the murder, has confessed that he and a few of his men killed Mr. Chebya on his way to the University after the meeting with Gen. Numbi and that they were acting under orders given by Gen. Numbi. Some reports claim the driver was found dead also in a different location but this remains unconfirmed.
6 June 2010
The chief of police in the Democratic Republic of Congo, General John Numbi, has been suspended along with several officers arrested in the probe into the death of leading human rights campaigner Floribert Chebeya, the interior minister said on Sunday.
Speaking on national television, the minister said President Joseph Kabila was "determined that all light be shed" on Chebeya's murder.
The leader of the group Voix des Sans Voix (Voice of the Voiceless) was found dead on Wednesday, tied up in the back seat of his car on a road to the west of the capital Kinshasa. His driver is still missing.
More than 50 human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have demanded an independent enquiry into the killing in an open letter to Kabila.
Calls for an independent investigation also came on Saturday from rights groups in Brazzaville in the neighbouring Republic of Congo, and on Friday from the United States, the European Union and the United Nations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Editor's Note: Reports from Congolese newspapers and people on the ground now claim that Colonel Danny Mukalay, the Head of the Special Police Services who was arrested yesterday in connection with the murder, has confessed that he and a few of his men killed Mr. Chebya on his way to the University after the meeting with Gen. Numbi and that they were acting under orders given by Gen. Numbi. Some reports claim the driver was found dead also in a different location but this remains unconfirmed.
VP Joseph Biden in Kenya Tomorrow.
Daily Nation
By Kevin J. Kelley
5 June 2010
President Barack Obama and his top aides in Washington may be keeping their fingers crossed ahead of Monday's visit to Kenya by US Vice-President Joe Biden.
Mr Biden will be discussing "a range of issues" with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a State Department official said.
Topics will include the chaos in Somalia, Kenya's views on the upcoming referendum on the independence of Southern Sudan and "our interest that there be continued progress on reform and reconciliation in Kenya", the official added.
The US Vice-President is also expected to meet House Speaker Kenneth Marende and members of the Kenya Parliamentary Caucus.
Mr Biden's public comments are not expected to include any expression of US support for Kenya's proposed new constitution, the official said.
He has earned a reputation for frankly offering his own views on sensitive subjects, even on a few occasions when they do not coincide with the Obama administration's official policies.
There is therefore concern in Washington that Mr Biden might explicitly endorse the proposed constitution - and thereby inflame a controversy ignited by three Republican members of the US Congress strongly opposed to abortion.
The Obama administration wants him to emphasise what it regards as essential elements for Kenya's political stability - but without being seen as interfering in Kenya's own affairs, and without antagonising abortion foes in Congress.
Kenya's US Ambassador Peter Ogego said he anticipates Biden "will be encouraging Kenyans to take part in the reform process".
But Mr Ogego said he would not comment on whether Mr Biden might call publicly for a Yes vote in the referendum.
By Kevin J. Kelley
5 June 2010
President Barack Obama and his top aides in Washington may be keeping their fingers crossed ahead of Monday's visit to Kenya by US Vice-President Joe Biden.
Mr Biden will be discussing "a range of issues" with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a State Department official said.
Topics will include the chaos in Somalia, Kenya's views on the upcoming referendum on the independence of Southern Sudan and "our interest that there be continued progress on reform and reconciliation in Kenya", the official added.
The US Vice-President is also expected to meet House Speaker Kenneth Marende and members of the Kenya Parliamentary Caucus.
Mr Biden's public comments are not expected to include any expression of US support for Kenya's proposed new constitution, the official said.
He has earned a reputation for frankly offering his own views on sensitive subjects, even on a few occasions when they do not coincide with the Obama administration's official policies.
There is therefore concern in Washington that Mr Biden might explicitly endorse the proposed constitution - and thereby inflame a controversy ignited by three Republican members of the US Congress strongly opposed to abortion.
The Obama administration wants him to emphasise what it regards as essential elements for Kenya's political stability - but without being seen as interfering in Kenya's own affairs, and without antagonising abortion foes in Congress.
Kenya's US Ambassador Peter Ogego said he anticipates Biden "will be encouraging Kenyans to take part in the reform process".
But Mr Ogego said he would not comment on whether Mr Biden might call publicly for a Yes vote in the referendum.
President and Dean Eric Janus’ letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Honorable Hillary Clinton
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Clinton:
I am writing to respectfully request your assistance in ensuring the safety and release of United States citizen and William Mitchell College of Law Professor Peter Erlinder, who was arrested by the Rwandan police on Friday, May 28, and held in detention and interrogated since.
Prof. Erlinder was in Kigali to pursue a legal defense for Madame Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, an opposition candidate for President of Rwanda. As of the time of this letter, Prof. Erlinder has not been charged with a crime. He has been arrested and interrogated for simply doing the work of the lawyer: advocating on behalf of his client.
In traveling to Rwanda, Prof. Erlinder exemplifies the great tradition of lawyers who take on the representation of unpopular clients and causes. That Prof. Erlinder did so at great personal risk demonstrates the strength of his commitment to the rule of law and due process. That he is being detained precisely for that effort is a travesty of justice and undermines confidence in the rule of law.
On behalf of William Mitchell College of Law, thank you for your assistance in assuring Prof. Erlinder’s speedy and prompt release.
Sincerely,
Eric S. Janus
President and Dean
William Mitchell College of Law
3 June 2010
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Clinton:
I am writing to respectfully request your assistance in ensuring the safety and release of United States citizen and William Mitchell College of Law Professor Peter Erlinder, who was arrested by the Rwandan police on Friday, May 28, and held in detention and interrogated since.
Prof. Erlinder was in Kigali to pursue a legal defense for Madame Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, an opposition candidate for President of Rwanda. As of the time of this letter, Prof. Erlinder has not been charged with a crime. He has been arrested and interrogated for simply doing the work of the lawyer: advocating on behalf of his client.
In traveling to Rwanda, Prof. Erlinder exemplifies the great tradition of lawyers who take on the representation of unpopular clients and causes. That Prof. Erlinder did so at great personal risk demonstrates the strength of his commitment to the rule of law and due process. That he is being detained precisely for that effort is a travesty of justice and undermines confidence in the rule of law.
On behalf of William Mitchell College of Law, thank you for your assistance in assuring Prof. Erlinder’s speedy and prompt release.
Sincerely,
Eric S. Janus
President and Dean
William Mitchell College of Law
3 June 2010
Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Demand Prof. Erlinder's Release.
Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
4 June 2010
Press Release
The Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers strongly condemns Professor Peter Erlinder’s arrest and urges the Rwandan government and the U.S. Department of State to work quickly to immediately affect his release.
Last Friday, May 28, William Mitchell College of Law professor and long-time criminal defense attorney Peter Erlinder was arrested by the Rwandan government on charges of “genocide ideology,” a speech crime that has been strongly criticized as repressive by numerous humanitarian organizations.
The Rwandan “Genocide Ideology Law” law requires no link to any genocidal act and can be used to include a wide range of legitimate forms of expression, including the prohibition of speech protected by at least two international conventions to which Rwanda is a signatory. Prof. Erlinder had traveled to Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, to join the defense team of Rwandan presidential candidate Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza. He has reportedly been interrogated at the Rwandan Police Force’s Kacyiru headquarters and is currently reported to be hospitalized for unknown reasons. Since his arrival in Kigali, the state-sponsored Rwandan media has been highly critical of Erlinder. It is widely believed that Professor Erlinder is in grave danger while he is in Rwandan captivity.
IACDL therefore urges all individuals and organizations to immediately contact the Rwandan government, the U.S. Government and others to:
a) Demand the immediate release of Professor Peter Erlinder;
b) Demand Professor Erlinder’s immediate access to counsel;
c) Urge the Rwandan government to drop these fabricated and baseless charges against Professor Erlinder.
Below is a sample script that can be used or modified as desired as well as contact information for persons with the ability to influence Professor Erlinder’s release.
SAMPLE SCRIPT
My name is ____________, I am calling/writing about the arrest of Prof.
Peter Erlinder in Rwanda last Friday morning. He was in Rwanda acting as an
attorney, representing his client, opposition presidential candidate
Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza.
I am asking to ask you to demand his immediate release from Rwandan jail.
His detention violates his human rights, he is in danger and as a United
States citizen deserves the highest level of advocacy and protection from
the U.S. government.
PHONE NUMBERS
White House
Tel: 202-456-1414
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Tel: 202-647-9572
State Deptartment
Tel: 202-647-4000
TTY: 1-800-877-8339
Fax: 202-647-0244
Senator Al Franken
Tel: 202-224-5641
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Tel: 202-224-3244
Fax: 202-228-2186
Representative Keith Ellison
Tel: 202-225-4755
Representative Betty McCullom
Tel: 202-225-6631
Fax: 202-225-1968
Other Numbers to Call
Bureau of African Affairs
Tel: 202-647-4440
Fax: 202-647-6301
Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
Tel: 202-647-2530
Fax: 202-647-0838
Rwanda Embassy (NY):
Tel: +1 212 679 9010 or 1 212 679 9023
Fax: +1 212 679 9133
Stephen J. Rapp, War Crimes Ambassador
Tel: 202-647-6051
Fax: 202-736-4495
Susan Rice, US Ambassador to the UN
Tel: 212-415-4050
Comment line: 212-415-4062
Fax: 212-415-4053
Rwanda Mission to the UN (USA):
Tel: +1 212 679 9010 or 1 212 679 9023
Fax: +1 212 679 9133
Rwandan Ambassador James Kimonyo
1714 New Hampshire NW Washington, DC 20009
Tel: 202-232-2882
Fax: 202-232-4544
4 June 2010
Press Release
The Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers strongly condemns Professor Peter Erlinder’s arrest and urges the Rwandan government and the U.S. Department of State to work quickly to immediately affect his release.
Last Friday, May 28, William Mitchell College of Law professor and long-time criminal defense attorney Peter Erlinder was arrested by the Rwandan government on charges of “genocide ideology,” a speech crime that has been strongly criticized as repressive by numerous humanitarian organizations.
The Rwandan “Genocide Ideology Law” law requires no link to any genocidal act and can be used to include a wide range of legitimate forms of expression, including the prohibition of speech protected by at least two international conventions to which Rwanda is a signatory. Prof. Erlinder had traveled to Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, to join the defense team of Rwandan presidential candidate Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza. He has reportedly been interrogated at the Rwandan Police Force’s Kacyiru headquarters and is currently reported to be hospitalized for unknown reasons. Since his arrival in Kigali, the state-sponsored Rwandan media has been highly critical of Erlinder. It is widely believed that Professor Erlinder is in grave danger while he is in Rwandan captivity.
IACDL therefore urges all individuals and organizations to immediately contact the Rwandan government, the U.S. Government and others to:
a) Demand the immediate release of Professor Peter Erlinder;
b) Demand Professor Erlinder’s immediate access to counsel;
c) Urge the Rwandan government to drop these fabricated and baseless charges against Professor Erlinder.
Below is a sample script that can be used or modified as desired as well as contact information for persons with the ability to influence Professor Erlinder’s release.
SAMPLE SCRIPT
My name is ____________, I am calling/writing about the arrest of Prof.
Peter Erlinder in Rwanda last Friday morning. He was in Rwanda acting as an
attorney, representing his client, opposition presidential candidate
Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza.
I am asking to ask you to demand his immediate release from Rwandan jail.
His detention violates his human rights, he is in danger and as a United
States citizen deserves the highest level of advocacy and protection from
the U.S. government.
PHONE NUMBERS
White House
Tel: 202-456-1414
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Tel: 202-647-9572
State Deptartment
Tel: 202-647-4000
TTY: 1-800-877-8339
Fax: 202-647-0244
Senator Al Franken
Tel: 202-224-5641
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Tel: 202-224-3244
Fax: 202-228-2186
Representative Keith Ellison
Tel: 202-225-4755
Representative Betty McCullom
Tel: 202-225-6631
Fax: 202-225-1968
Other Numbers to Call
Bureau of African Affairs
Tel: 202-647-4440
Fax: 202-647-6301
Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
Tel: 202-647-2530
Fax: 202-647-0838
Rwanda Embassy (NY):
Tel: +1 212 679 9010 or 1 212 679 9023
Fax: +1 212 679 9133
Stephen J. Rapp, War Crimes Ambassador
Tel: 202-647-6051
Fax: 202-736-4495
Susan Rice, US Ambassador to the UN
Tel: 212-415-4050
Comment line: 212-415-4062
Fax: 212-415-4053
Rwanda Mission to the UN (USA):
Tel: +1 212 679 9010 or 1 212 679 9023
Fax: +1 212 679 9133
Rwandan Ambassador James Kimonyo
1714 New Hampshire NW Washington, DC 20009
Tel: 202-232-2882
Fax: 202-232-4544
University of Minnesota Human Rights Program Calls for Prof. Erlinder's Immediate Release.
University of Minnesota Human Rights Program
3 June 2010
Press Release
The Human Rights Program is requesting that the Rwandan Government release Professor Peter Erlinder from custody and ensure that he receives due process. Erlinder, a professor of law at the William Mitchell College of Law and noted international defense attorney, was arrested by the Government of Rwanda on May 28 and charged with genocide denial after he arrived in Kigali to join the legal defense team of opposition presidential candidate, Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza. Erlinder is a prominent critic of Rwandan President Paul Kagame's government and of the dominant political and social history regarding the Rwandan genocide. Ingabire, the opposition candidate, herself is facing charges of "associating with terrorists" and "genocide ideology, " a Rwandan legal prohibition against denying the 1994 genocide that killed as many as 800,000 people.
According to Human Rights Watch, Rwandan authorities use prosecution, or the threat of prosecution, for "genocide ideology" to silence dissent of many kinds, including calls for justice for RPF war crimes. The Advocates for Human Rights states that the law prohibits broad categories of speech including "marginalizing, laughing at one's misfortune, defaming, mocking, boasting, despising, degrading, creating confusion aiming at negating the genocide which occurred, stirring up ill feelings, taking revenge, altering testimony or evidence for the genocide which occurred."
Professor Erlinder represented genocide suspects at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. He is one of a team of lawyers who file suit in April against President Kagame, accusing him of ordering the 1994 deaths of Rwandan President Habyarimana, a Hutu, and Burundi President Ntaryamira, which led to the genocidal violence in Rwanda.
"Professor Erlinder is undoubtedly a controversial person in the eyes of the Rwandan government, but he has apparently been arrested for carrying out his professional obligations as a defense attorney. There is no therefore no legitimate basis for his detention," says Barbara Frey, director of the Human Rights Program. "We encourage expressions of support from the legal and human rights communities to ensure his human rights are respected."
As of Wednesday, the U.S. State Department had yet to call for Erlinder's release. Kurt Kerns, an American attorney representing Erlinder, reported that Erlinder was hospitalized over the weekend with a high fever and dizziness. Continuing reports of Erlinder's ill health are of great concern.
The Human Rights Program suggests sending respectful letters or emails to representatives of U.S., Rwandan and international institutions requesting that they take immediate steps to gain the release of, and to ensure fair trial guarantees for Professor Erlinder. Contact information can be found below.
Senator Amy Klobuchar
United States Senate
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
+1 (202) 224-3244
Senator Al Franken
320 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
+1 (202) 224-5641
UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
c/o Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations Office at Geneva
8-14, avenue de la Paix
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
facsimile: +41 22 9179006
e-mail: wgad@ohchr.org
Rwandan Embassy to the U.S.
H.E. Ambassador James Kimonyo
1714 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 232-2882
Web email form
Rwandan Ministry of Justice
H.E. Minister Tharcisse Karugarama
Tel: (250) 252 586 398
Po Box 160 Kigali - Rwanda
E-mail : moj@minijust.gov.rw
Website : www.minijust.gov.rw
3 June 2010
Press Release
The Human Rights Program is requesting that the Rwandan Government release Professor Peter Erlinder from custody and ensure that he receives due process. Erlinder, a professor of law at the William Mitchell College of Law and noted international defense attorney, was arrested by the Government of Rwanda on May 28 and charged with genocide denial after he arrived in Kigali to join the legal defense team of opposition presidential candidate, Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza. Erlinder is a prominent critic of Rwandan President Paul Kagame's government and of the dominant political and social history regarding the Rwandan genocide. Ingabire, the opposition candidate, herself is facing charges of "associating with terrorists" and "genocide ideology, " a Rwandan legal prohibition against denying the 1994 genocide that killed as many as 800,000 people.
According to Human Rights Watch, Rwandan authorities use prosecution, or the threat of prosecution, for "genocide ideology" to silence dissent of many kinds, including calls for justice for RPF war crimes. The Advocates for Human Rights states that the law prohibits broad categories of speech including "marginalizing, laughing at one's misfortune, defaming, mocking, boasting, despising, degrading, creating confusion aiming at negating the genocide which occurred, stirring up ill feelings, taking revenge, altering testimony or evidence for the genocide which occurred."
Professor Erlinder represented genocide suspects at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. He is one of a team of lawyers who file suit in April against President Kagame, accusing him of ordering the 1994 deaths of Rwandan President Habyarimana, a Hutu, and Burundi President Ntaryamira, which led to the genocidal violence in Rwanda.
"Professor Erlinder is undoubtedly a controversial person in the eyes of the Rwandan government, but he has apparently been arrested for carrying out his professional obligations as a defense attorney. There is no therefore no legitimate basis for his detention," says Barbara Frey, director of the Human Rights Program. "We encourage expressions of support from the legal and human rights communities to ensure his human rights are respected."
As of Wednesday, the U.S. State Department had yet to call for Erlinder's release. Kurt Kerns, an American attorney representing Erlinder, reported that Erlinder was hospitalized over the weekend with a high fever and dizziness. Continuing reports of Erlinder's ill health are of great concern.
The Human Rights Program suggests sending respectful letters or emails to representatives of U.S., Rwandan and international institutions requesting that they take immediate steps to gain the release of, and to ensure fair trial guarantees for Professor Erlinder. Contact information can be found below.
Senator Amy Klobuchar
United States Senate
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
+1 (202) 224-3244
Senator Al Franken
320 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
+1 (202) 224-5641
UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
c/o Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations Office at Geneva
8-14, avenue de la Paix
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
facsimile: +41 22 9179006
e-mail: wgad@ohchr.org
Rwandan Embassy to the U.S.
H.E. Ambassador James Kimonyo
1714 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 232-2882
Web email form
Rwandan Ministry of Justice
H.E. Minister Tharcisse Karugarama
Tel: (250) 252 586 398
Po Box 160 Kigali - Rwanda
E-mail : moj@minijust.gov.rw
Website : www.minijust.gov.rw
05 June, 2010
Jailed PS Imberakuri politician Hakizimfura cleared of all charges.
Rwandan News Agency
4 June 2010
Pasteur Noel Hakizimfura – the VP in the splinter faction of PS-Imberakuri is a free man after a court dismissed all charges related to the alleged arson attack on his boss Christine Mukabonane, RNA reports. Hakizimfura says he will sue the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
The Gasabo court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to link Hakizimana to the failed arson attack on May 15. However, court also ruled that Uwizeye Theophile, the confessed arsonist be jailed for 30 days as he waits for the start of his trail.
An excited Hakizimfura said he was going to sue the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for wrongful arrest and prosecution, claiming he was targeted for his political views.
4 June 2010
Pasteur Noel Hakizimfura – the VP in the splinter faction of PS-Imberakuri is a free man after a court dismissed all charges related to the alleged arson attack on his boss Christine Mukabonane, RNA reports. Hakizimfura says he will sue the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
The Gasabo court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to link Hakizimana to the failed arson attack on May 15. However, court also ruled that Uwizeye Theophile, the confessed arsonist be jailed for 30 days as he waits for the start of his trail.
An excited Hakizimfura said he was going to sue the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for wrongful arrest and prosecution, claiming he was targeted for his political views.
German Bar Association Calls for Action Against Peter Erlinder's Arrest.
German Bar Association
Press Release
4 June 2010
On Friday, 5/28/2010 U.S. Attorney and Professor Peter Erlinder was arrested in Kigali / Rwanda. Peter Erlinder is a law professor at William Mitchell College of Law in Minnesota and for years worked as a lawyer at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania, and President of the defense lawyers association ADAD.
On the day of his arrest Erlinder was in Kigali, where he was going to defend opposition politician Victoire Ingabire. Erlinder was arrested when he tried to represent his client in a hearing before a Rwandan court. The exact circumstances and in particular the charges against him remain unclear.
But it is certain that Peter Erlinder, together with many of his fellow attorneys and with international human rights organizations repeatedly made aware that, in the Rwandan civil war in addition to the undisputed mass murder of Tutsi, there were also crimes against humanity and war crimes against the Hutu population that took place during which the rebel army of the current President Paul Kagame was involved. The arrest raises fears therefore, that Erlinder as a defense lawyer is being prevented to exercise his functions and to express at times unpleasant truths.
The defense lawyers' association and the German Bar Association are asking the German federal government, to use the `traditionally close and good mutual relations" (as the Foreign Office) with the government in Kigali, to ask for an immediate explanation of the circumstances that led to the arrest of lawyer Erlinder and to work towards his release. In particular, because Germany gives an unconditional budget support of € 10 million per year to the Rwandan government for `democratization, civil society and public administration '. The Rwandan authorities action against the lawyer Erlinder casts doubt on the `development of civil society 'in the country.
The European Human Rights Convention and the Statute of the International Criminal Tribunals guarantee the free choice of counsel and the right of the accused to prepare his defense adequately.
This right must also be an exercise of freedom for the people of Rwanda. (there is another sentence here that I have no clue what it means). Otherwise, the country will lose the right to an internationally recognized system of law.
The defense lawyers' associations and the German Bar Association appeal in this letter to the corresponding German and Rwandan authorities and demand an immediate explanation.
Contact:
German Bar Association e.V. (DAV)
Swen Walentowski, Spokesman
Littenstr. 11, 10179 Berlin
Phone: (030) 7261520, fax: (030) 726 152 190
eMail: walentowski@anwaltverein.de
Internet: http://www.anwaltverein.de/
Press Release
4 June 2010
On Friday, 5/28/2010 U.S. Attorney and Professor Peter Erlinder was arrested in Kigali / Rwanda. Peter Erlinder is a law professor at William Mitchell College of Law in Minnesota and for years worked as a lawyer at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania, and President of the defense lawyers association ADAD.
On the day of his arrest Erlinder was in Kigali, where he was going to defend opposition politician Victoire Ingabire. Erlinder was arrested when he tried to represent his client in a hearing before a Rwandan court. The exact circumstances and in particular the charges against him remain unclear.
But it is certain that Peter Erlinder, together with many of his fellow attorneys and with international human rights organizations repeatedly made aware that, in the Rwandan civil war in addition to the undisputed mass murder of Tutsi, there were also crimes against humanity and war crimes against the Hutu population that took place during which the rebel army of the current President Paul Kagame was involved. The arrest raises fears therefore, that Erlinder as a defense lawyer is being prevented to exercise his functions and to express at times unpleasant truths.
The defense lawyers' association and the German Bar Association are asking the German federal government, to use the `traditionally close and good mutual relations" (as the Foreign Office) with the government in Kigali, to ask for an immediate explanation of the circumstances that led to the arrest of lawyer Erlinder and to work towards his release. In particular, because Germany gives an unconditional budget support of € 10 million per year to the Rwandan government for `democratization, civil society and public administration '. The Rwandan authorities action against the lawyer Erlinder casts doubt on the `development of civil society 'in the country.
The European Human Rights Convention and the Statute of the International Criminal Tribunals guarantee the free choice of counsel and the right of the accused to prepare his defense adequately.
This right must also be an exercise of freedom for the people of Rwanda. (there is another sentence here that I have no clue what it means). Otherwise, the country will lose the right to an internationally recognized system of law.
The defense lawyers' associations and the German Bar Association appeal in this letter to the corresponding German and Rwandan authorities and demand an immediate explanation.
Contact:
German Bar Association e.V. (DAV)
Swen Walentowski, Spokesman
Littenstr. 11, 10179 Berlin
Phone: (030) 7261520, fax: (030) 726 152 190
eMail: walentowski@anwaltverein.de
Internet: http://www.anwaltverein.de/
04 June, 2010
Mali to introduce pro-investment mining code.
Reuters
2 June 2010
Mali wants to introduce a new mining code in October as the West African gold producer attempts to encourage more investment in its minerals sector, its mines minister said on Tuesday.
Africa's third biggest gold producer wants to take advantage of high metals prices by developing mining, which recently overtook cotton as the country's biggest export earner.
Firms which own permits but are not digging may lose their rights under the proposed new code.
"When an operator is active (or) in the process of conducting research, the renewal can be done without altering the title," Mines Minister Abou Bakar Traore said on national radio.
"On the contrary, a company which has title but is not working underground, when it comes to renewal the title will be split and later cancelled."
Last month, a mines ministry official said Mali would become Africa's newest iron ore producer in September, when Indian-owned firm Sahara Mining expects to start digging the steelmaking mineral.
Despite a call from the African Development Bank last week for African countries to raise taxes on mining firms, Mali suggested it may look to cut taxes.
"Another aspect is taxation ... it is thought that we are the country that levies the most on mining operations," Traore said.
South Africa's Gold Fields (GFIJ.J) said last month it plans to open a new mine in Mali, the Komana project, in the coming three years.
As well as Gold Fields, other firms working in Mali include Anglogold Ashanti (ANGJ.J) and Randgold Resources (RRS.L).
The new mining code will be presented to government by the end of June, and voted upon in the national assembly's October session, Traore said.
(Reporting by Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Daniel Magnowski; Editing by James Jukwey)
2 June 2010
Mali wants to introduce a new mining code in October as the West African gold producer attempts to encourage more investment in its minerals sector, its mines minister said on Tuesday.
Africa's third biggest gold producer wants to take advantage of high metals prices by developing mining, which recently overtook cotton as the country's biggest export earner.
Firms which own permits but are not digging may lose their rights under the proposed new code.
"When an operator is active (or) in the process of conducting research, the renewal can be done without altering the title," Mines Minister Abou Bakar Traore said on national radio.
"On the contrary, a company which has title but is not working underground, when it comes to renewal the title will be split and later cancelled."
Last month, a mines ministry official said Mali would become Africa's newest iron ore producer in September, when Indian-owned firm Sahara Mining expects to start digging the steelmaking mineral.
Despite a call from the African Development Bank last week for African countries to raise taxes on mining firms, Mali suggested it may look to cut taxes.
"Another aspect is taxation ... it is thought that we are the country that levies the most on mining operations," Traore said.
South Africa's Gold Fields (GFIJ.J) said last month it plans to open a new mine in Mali, the Komana project, in the coming three years.
As well as Gold Fields, other firms working in Mali include Anglogold Ashanti (ANGJ.J) and Randgold Resources (RRS.L).
The new mining code will be presented to government by the end of June, and voted upon in the national assembly's October session, Traore said.
(Reporting by Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Daniel Magnowski; Editing by James Jukwey)
Zimbabwe mining: Pres. Mugabe wants your bucks.
Mineweb
3 June 2010
By Barry Sergeant
A fortnight ago, when Impala Platinum quietly announced that it's to move ahead with the Phase 2 expansion at 87%-held Zimplats, at a cost of USD 500m, more than a few investors scratched their heads. Phase 1 has been a roaring success, including its ranking as one of the lowest cost platinum producers in the world, sitting, to boot, on huge reserves.
A few weeks later, Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe told the annual general meeting of the Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines that "government has no intention of expropriating the mining industry. No mine has been nationalised since independence". On the contrary, Mugabe, one of the continent's more belligerent leaders, infamous for land grabs, declared that "recapitalisation of the mining industry remains an immediate imperative".
No doubt more than a few investors will continue scratching their heads, but Mugabe is apparently bending over in several directions to reassure investors. Government is exploring, says Mugabe, "the path of profitable partnerships and joint venture initiatives with foreign investors in the mining sector. It is our belief that this situation has the potential for a sustainable win-win partnership . . . "
Aquarius Platinum is also well-established as a miner in the country; several more platinum projects owned by other operators are moving towards mine builds. A number of Zimbabwean politicians, assisted by various promoters, are increasingly keen to draw a line between Zimbabwe's realities, and perceptions of those realities.
One reality is that dozens of mines - gold was discovered in the 1880s - across a richly endowed landscape are in tatters, on a combination of power shortages, huge shortfalls in foreign currency, logistical failures, shattered infrastructure, and plain neglect. But opportunities there are aplenty.
The key to unlocking the opportunities lies in flexibility, now patently adopted by Zimbabwe, in legislation. In his speech, Mugabe said that government has "accepted the principle of empowerment credits" as an integral component of the 51% equity that Zimbabwean citizens are required, on the face of it, to hold in enterprises where foreign investors are present.
Mugabe said he was "amazed by the rush of negative publicity towards this policy of indigenisation when in fact the regulations provide for flexibility where necessary".
So-called credits are initiatives that, if recognised, allow the foreign investing mining company to claim against the 51% requirement. Mugabe said that "premier initiatives that qualify for empowerment credits" include the areas of (local) procurement, capacitating industries, and fostering new companies owned by indigenous persons.
Further credits can be claimed for corporate social investment in communities, which "creates a visible platform for local empowerment, thus achieving broad based and transformative empowerment". Credits are also available for initiatives such as construction of dams and irrigation schemes, and approved scholarship and skills development programmes.
Mugabe cited Zimplats's social investment of building roads, schools, clinics and the fiber optic link to Norton and Ngezi. Victor Gapare, president of the Zimbabwe mines chamber, explains that the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment regulations Gazetted in January 2010 "states that in return for achieving certain socially and economically desirable objectives, a business may be allowed to have indigenous ownership at a lower percentage than 51%".
There are already case studies available from recent transactions. On 19 May, Rio Tinto Zimbabwe (RioZim), a unit of transnational mining giant Rio Tinto, announced the decision to proceed, at a cost of around USD 300m, with the expansion of the Murowa diamond project.
This followed a restructuring of shareholdings; Rio Tinto will now own a direct 78% interest in the Murowa diamond project; RioZim will become an independent Zimbabwean controlled company owning the remaining 22% of Murowa.
Rio Tinto will cease to be an ordinary shareholder in RioZim, but will retain a reduced cash participation in RioZim's assets, other than the Murowa diamond project, for a period of ten years. Clearly, Rio Tinto was satisfied that the landscape was sorted before these announcements.
Meanwhile, there is firm evidence that Zimbabwe is taking serious action to stamp out the wild, substantial, and illegal flow of diamonds from Marange, in the east of the country. The deposit is held, nominally, by London-listed African Consolidated Resources; its interests span Zimbabwe, in gold, platinum, nickel, and rock phosphates.
Zimbabwe's formal mining sector employs some 45,000, contributes around 50% of exports, and comprises nearly 20% of GDP. Mining is, therefore, argues Mugabe, "deservedly a key sector providing impetus for growth and economic development".
Mugabe left no uncertainties about government's painful knowledge that recurring power outages continued to impact heavily on the whole economy. "I wish to inform this meeting that several power projects requiring new investors are pending, including the Hwange power Stations 7 and 8, Kariba and Batoka. In addition, government will institute the necessary energy sector reforms required for attracting new investment in that sector".
3 June 2010
By Barry Sergeant
A fortnight ago, when Impala Platinum quietly announced that it's to move ahead with the Phase 2 expansion at 87%-held Zimplats, at a cost of USD 500m, more than a few investors scratched their heads. Phase 1 has been a roaring success, including its ranking as one of the lowest cost platinum producers in the world, sitting, to boot, on huge reserves.
A few weeks later, Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe told the annual general meeting of the Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines that "government has no intention of expropriating the mining industry. No mine has been nationalised since independence". On the contrary, Mugabe, one of the continent's more belligerent leaders, infamous for land grabs, declared that "recapitalisation of the mining industry remains an immediate imperative".
No doubt more than a few investors will continue scratching their heads, but Mugabe is apparently bending over in several directions to reassure investors. Government is exploring, says Mugabe, "the path of profitable partnerships and joint venture initiatives with foreign investors in the mining sector. It is our belief that this situation has the potential for a sustainable win-win partnership . . . "
Aquarius Platinum is also well-established as a miner in the country; several more platinum projects owned by other operators are moving towards mine builds. A number of Zimbabwean politicians, assisted by various promoters, are increasingly keen to draw a line between Zimbabwe's realities, and perceptions of those realities.
One reality is that dozens of mines - gold was discovered in the 1880s - across a richly endowed landscape are in tatters, on a combination of power shortages, huge shortfalls in foreign currency, logistical failures, shattered infrastructure, and plain neglect. But opportunities there are aplenty.
The key to unlocking the opportunities lies in flexibility, now patently adopted by Zimbabwe, in legislation. In his speech, Mugabe said that government has "accepted the principle of empowerment credits" as an integral component of the 51% equity that Zimbabwean citizens are required, on the face of it, to hold in enterprises where foreign investors are present.
Mugabe said he was "amazed by the rush of negative publicity towards this policy of indigenisation when in fact the regulations provide for flexibility where necessary".
So-called credits are initiatives that, if recognised, allow the foreign investing mining company to claim against the 51% requirement. Mugabe said that "premier initiatives that qualify for empowerment credits" include the areas of (local) procurement, capacitating industries, and fostering new companies owned by indigenous persons.
Further credits can be claimed for corporate social investment in communities, which "creates a visible platform for local empowerment, thus achieving broad based and transformative empowerment". Credits are also available for initiatives such as construction of dams and irrigation schemes, and approved scholarship and skills development programmes.
Mugabe cited Zimplats's social investment of building roads, schools, clinics and the fiber optic link to Norton and Ngezi. Victor Gapare, president of the Zimbabwe mines chamber, explains that the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment regulations Gazetted in January 2010 "states that in return for achieving certain socially and economically desirable objectives, a business may be allowed to have indigenous ownership at a lower percentage than 51%".
There are already case studies available from recent transactions. On 19 May, Rio Tinto Zimbabwe (RioZim), a unit of transnational mining giant Rio Tinto, announced the decision to proceed, at a cost of around USD 300m, with the expansion of the Murowa diamond project.
This followed a restructuring of shareholdings; Rio Tinto will now own a direct 78% interest in the Murowa diamond project; RioZim will become an independent Zimbabwean controlled company owning the remaining 22% of Murowa.
Rio Tinto will cease to be an ordinary shareholder in RioZim, but will retain a reduced cash participation in RioZim's assets, other than the Murowa diamond project, for a period of ten years. Clearly, Rio Tinto was satisfied that the landscape was sorted before these announcements.
Meanwhile, there is firm evidence that Zimbabwe is taking serious action to stamp out the wild, substantial, and illegal flow of diamonds from Marange, in the east of the country. The deposit is held, nominally, by London-listed African Consolidated Resources; its interests span Zimbabwe, in gold, platinum, nickel, and rock phosphates.
Zimbabwe's formal mining sector employs some 45,000, contributes around 50% of exports, and comprises nearly 20% of GDP. Mining is, therefore, argues Mugabe, "deservedly a key sector providing impetus for growth and economic development".
Mugabe left no uncertainties about government's painful knowledge that recurring power outages continued to impact heavily on the whole economy. "I wish to inform this meeting that several power projects requiring new investors are pending, including the Hwange power Stations 7 and 8, Kariba and Batoka. In addition, government will institute the necessary energy sector reforms required for attracting new investment in that sector".
Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda Open Letter to EAC Secretary General
http://rwandagreendemocrats.org/spip.php?article64
Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda Open Letter to H.E. Ambassador Symington.
http://rwandagreendemocrats.org/spip.php?article66
Congo (DRC) to offer oil blocks on Lake Tanganyika and Lake Kivu.
Reuters
24 March 2010
Democratic Republic of Congo will open 10 blocks on Lake Tanganyika and six blocks on Lake Kivu for oil exploration as it attracts interest from foreign energy companies, an energy ministry official said.
The central African country, whose oil sector has been virtually paralysed since the 1970s by decades of corruption and conflict, will open the new offshore properties to bidding in April, Joseph Pili Pili, director of projects in Congo's oil ministry, told on the sidelines of a conference.
"We know Lake Tanganyika has lots of petrol because it is the only one we've got lots of data for -- seismic, magnetic -- the geology has a lot of potential," he said. Foreign firms Chevron, Total, and CNOOC had already expressed interest in the blocks, he said.
"We have to give these (blocks) to a big company because Lake Tanganyika is so deep, at 1,500 metres. It will need a lot of work," he said.
The Lake Kivu blocks, meanwhile, could provide rich reserves of natural gas, he said.
"There are 60 bn cm of gas and each year it produces 350 mm cm," he said. "It is like you are sleeping in your bed and God just produces gas for you."
Interest in Congo's oil potential has risen in recent months after big finds on the Ugandan side of Lake Albert. Oil majors Total and ENI have recently expressed interest in blocks on Congo's side of the lake, and several companies including Tullow are jostling for belated presidential decrees to ratify competing licences.
Despite its potential reserves, Congo barely registers among Africa's oil producers with just 25,000 bpd in output, all from French independent Perenco's operations in the southwest of the country.
24 March 2010
Democratic Republic of Congo will open 10 blocks on Lake Tanganyika and six blocks on Lake Kivu for oil exploration as it attracts interest from foreign energy companies, an energy ministry official said.
The central African country, whose oil sector has been virtually paralysed since the 1970s by decades of corruption and conflict, will open the new offshore properties to bidding in April, Joseph Pili Pili, director of projects in Congo's oil ministry, told on the sidelines of a conference.
"We know Lake Tanganyika has lots of petrol because it is the only one we've got lots of data for -- seismic, magnetic -- the geology has a lot of potential," he said. Foreign firms Chevron, Total, and CNOOC had already expressed interest in the blocks, he said.
"We have to give these (blocks) to a big company because Lake Tanganyika is so deep, at 1,500 metres. It will need a lot of work," he said.
The Lake Kivu blocks, meanwhile, could provide rich reserves of natural gas, he said.
"There are 60 bn cm of gas and each year it produces 350 mm cm," he said. "It is like you are sleeping in your bed and God just produces gas for you."
Interest in Congo's oil potential has risen in recent months after big finds on the Ugandan side of Lake Albert. Oil majors Total and ENI have recently expressed interest in blocks on Congo's side of the lake, and several companies including Tullow are jostling for belated presidential decrees to ratify competing licences.
Despite its potential reserves, Congo barely registers among Africa's oil producers with just 25,000 bpd in output, all from French independent Perenco's operations in the southwest of the country.
Zimbabwe bars foreign acquisition of oil companies.
African Manager
23 March 2010
the first enforcement of new controversial indigenisation laws, the Zimbabwe government announced it had barred two foreign companies from acquiring local asset of two multinational oil companies.
Royal Dutch Shell and British Petroleum (BP) are pulling out of Zimbabwe, and have put their assets, including service stations, up for sale. Two foreign companies, Engen oil of South Africa and Kenol Kobil of Kenya, wanted to acquire the assets, but the Zimbabwe government blocked the deal, insisting the businesses be taken over by locals under the country's new indigenisation laws.
Under the indigenisation laws, all foreign-owned businesses in the country should offload 51 % of their equity to Zimbabweans. The laws have caused deep anxiety among big foreign-owned businesses, and prompted international investors to shy away from the country.
David Chapfika, chairman of a body charged with implementing the indigenisation laws, said the deal had been blocked because, in addition to fulfillingthe requirement to empower locals, the retail industry had been reserved for Zimbabweans.
"It is also our considered opinion that all sitting indigenous fuel tenants be protected and be accorded the right of first refusal under the considered arrangement," he said.
The proposed take-over of Shell and BP assets by the two foreign oil companies is the first case in which the indigenisation laws have been applied since coming into effect 1 March, 2010
23 March 2010
the first enforcement of new controversial indigenisation laws, the Zimbabwe government announced it had barred two foreign companies from acquiring local asset of two multinational oil companies.
Royal Dutch Shell and British Petroleum (BP) are pulling out of Zimbabwe, and have put their assets, including service stations, up for sale. Two foreign companies, Engen oil of South Africa and Kenol Kobil of Kenya, wanted to acquire the assets, but the Zimbabwe government blocked the deal, insisting the businesses be taken over by locals under the country's new indigenisation laws.
Under the indigenisation laws, all foreign-owned businesses in the country should offload 51 % of their equity to Zimbabweans. The laws have caused deep anxiety among big foreign-owned businesses, and prompted international investors to shy away from the country.
David Chapfika, chairman of a body charged with implementing the indigenisation laws, said the deal had been blocked because, in addition to fulfillingthe requirement to empower locals, the retail industry had been reserved for Zimbabweans.
"It is also our considered opinion that all sitting indigenous fuel tenants be protected and be accorded the right of first refusal under the considered arrangement," he said.
The proposed take-over of Shell and BP assets by the two foreign oil companies is the first case in which the indigenisation laws have been applied since coming into effect 1 March, 2010
Fresh hope for oil discovery after gas find in Kenya.
The Nation
20 March 2010
The discovery of "very high concentrations of natural gas" by a Chinese firm doing exploration in northern Kenya has raised hopes that the country could soon strike oil.
Optimistic but guarded reports from Boghal in Merti division of Isiolo district indicated that the China National Offshore Oil Corporation had discovered the gas after drilling a depth of 4,600 metres. High concentrations of gas normally indicate the presence of oil.
The news has had top officials in the ministry of Energy excited and could herald the major announcement forecast by Minister Kiraitu Murungi when he announced the start of drilling in October last year. Ministry's officials are said to have described the development at the Bhogal well as "very encouraging" and "positive" and plan to establish additional wells in the area.
The National Oil Corporation of Kenya announced in February that with 4456 metres drilled then, there had been no traces of oil or gas and the remaining 1,100 metres would determine the success of the project.
"We have one month of waiting and hoping. We expect the depth to be covered by the end of March or mid-April. This means we need to continue crossing our fingers," said NOCK managing director Mwendia Nyaga.
He said the fact that no hydrocarbons had been found in the upper layers raised hopes of discovery as it indicated the oil or gas had not escaped. Oil has been discovered in Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania and Kenya is optimistic that it could soon join the league of oil-producing countries.
The Chinese have revived interest in oil exploration in Kenya, which had waned after 2006 when Woodside, an Australian firm, left after fruitless drilling in the Lamu area. The Bhogal well is the 31st to be drilled in a series of fruitless explorations and the government maintains more wells would be sunk.
"In your lifetime, there could even be the 40th well. We believe there must be oil somewhere in Kenya. As much as easy oil is over, maybe there will be difficult oil in Kenya," said Mr Nyaga.
Virtual scramble
The prospects of striking oil have resulted in a virtual scramble by international firms to either start drilling or conduct surveys to find out the chances of the existence of oil in parts of Kenya.
Vanoil Energy, a Canadian oil company, announced it plans to spend $ 4.8 mm (Sh 370 mm) on a survey to map potential oil and gas deposits in North Eastern Province.
20 March 2010
The discovery of "very high concentrations of natural gas" by a Chinese firm doing exploration in northern Kenya has raised hopes that the country could soon strike oil.
Optimistic but guarded reports from Boghal in Merti division of Isiolo district indicated that the China National Offshore Oil Corporation had discovered the gas after drilling a depth of 4,600 metres. High concentrations of gas normally indicate the presence of oil.
The news has had top officials in the ministry of Energy excited and could herald the major announcement forecast by Minister Kiraitu Murungi when he announced the start of drilling in October last year. Ministry's officials are said to have described the development at the Bhogal well as "very encouraging" and "positive" and plan to establish additional wells in the area.
The National Oil Corporation of Kenya announced in February that with 4456 metres drilled then, there had been no traces of oil or gas and the remaining 1,100 metres would determine the success of the project.
"We have one month of waiting and hoping. We expect the depth to be covered by the end of March or mid-April. This means we need to continue crossing our fingers," said NOCK managing director Mwendia Nyaga.
He said the fact that no hydrocarbons had been found in the upper layers raised hopes of discovery as it indicated the oil or gas had not escaped. Oil has been discovered in Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania and Kenya is optimistic that it could soon join the league of oil-producing countries.
The Chinese have revived interest in oil exploration in Kenya, which had waned after 2006 when Woodside, an Australian firm, left after fruitless drilling in the Lamu area. The Bhogal well is the 31st to be drilled in a series of fruitless explorations and the government maintains more wells would be sunk.
"In your lifetime, there could even be the 40th well. We believe there must be oil somewhere in Kenya. As much as easy oil is over, maybe there will be difficult oil in Kenya," said Mr Nyaga.
Virtual scramble
The prospects of striking oil have resulted in a virtual scramble by international firms to either start drilling or conduct surveys to find out the chances of the existence of oil in parts of Kenya.
Vanoil Energy, a Canadian oil company, announced it plans to spend $ 4.8 mm (Sh 370 mm) on a survey to map potential oil and gas deposits in North Eastern Province.
West Point delegation arrives in Rwanda.
The New Times
4 June 2010
By James Karuhanga
A delegation from the United States Military Academy West Point is in the country on a 10-day study tour aimed at broadening their knowledge on reconciliation.
The delegation led by Lt. Col. Diane Ryan, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Behavioural Sciences and Leadership, arrived in the country yesterday.
Speaking to The New Times, Army and Defence Spokesperson, Lt. Col Jill Rutaremara, revealed that the delegation is here to study the implications of conflict and its aftermath using the Rwandan civil war and the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as case studies.
“They also hope to learn the origins of the conflict as well as the impetus for political violence and its aftermath,” said Rutaremara.
The students are also interested in learning about the reconciliation process that promotes sustainable peace and psychological well-being as well as elimination of political violence and subsequent psychological healing. Rutaremara said the West Point team is interested in contemporary issues, particularly those in which women are involved.
The delegation will visit a number of government institutions, international and civil society organisations.
Today they will visit the Ministry of Defence and army headquarters, the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) and Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi.
The delegation will also visit Mutobo Demobilization Centre, Musanze and Rubavu districts and Gako Military Academy.
Before they wind up their tour, the delegation will meet with members of the Forum for Women Parliamentarians’, the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Gacaca courts and the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) among others.
4 June 2010
By James Karuhanga
A delegation from the United States Military Academy West Point is in the country on a 10-day study tour aimed at broadening their knowledge on reconciliation.
The delegation led by Lt. Col. Diane Ryan, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Behavioural Sciences and Leadership, arrived in the country yesterday.
Speaking to The New Times, Army and Defence Spokesperson, Lt. Col Jill Rutaremara, revealed that the delegation is here to study the implications of conflict and its aftermath using the Rwandan civil war and the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as case studies.
“They also hope to learn the origins of the conflict as well as the impetus for political violence and its aftermath,” said Rutaremara.
The students are also interested in learning about the reconciliation process that promotes sustainable peace and psychological well-being as well as elimination of political violence and subsequent psychological healing. Rutaremara said the West Point team is interested in contemporary issues, particularly those in which women are involved.
The delegation will visit a number of government institutions, international and civil society organisations.
Today they will visit the Ministry of Defence and army headquarters, the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) and Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi.
The delegation will also visit Mutobo Demobilization Centre, Musanze and Rubavu districts and Gako Military Academy.
Before they wind up their tour, the delegation will meet with members of the Forum for Women Parliamentarians’, the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Gacaca courts and the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) among others.
03 June, 2010
Professor Erlinder Lectures on International Law and International Courts.
Linked from "Our World in Depth" by Karen Redleaf.
(http://ourworldindepth.org/)
This lecture was given in October 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
(http://ourworldindepth.org/)
This lecture was given in October 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
West Point Officials and Students to Visit Rwanda.
Rwandan News Agency
3 June 2010
A delegation of students and staff from the prestigious West Point military college – where President Kagame’s son is studying, arrive in the country Thursday afternoon for a ten-day trip, RNA can reveal.
The students will be in the country from Thursday June 03 to 12. Among the activities on their schedule, the students will witness the gorilla high-profile naming ceremony due on Saturday June 05, sources said.
Army spokesman Maj Jill Rutaremara confirmed the visit of the delegation from the New York-based College, but indicated that he will provide more details later.
The First Son, Ivan Cyomoro Kagame, joined the prestigious American military college mid-last year. In March, President Kagame visited the college to see his son and he also addressed students and staff.
3 June 2010
A delegation of students and staff from the prestigious West Point military college – where President Kagame’s son is studying, arrive in the country Thursday afternoon for a ten-day trip, RNA can reveal.
The students will be in the country from Thursday June 03 to 12. Among the activities on their schedule, the students will witness the gorilla high-profile naming ceremony due on Saturday June 05, sources said.
Army spokesman Maj Jill Rutaremara confirmed the visit of the delegation from the New York-based College, but indicated that he will provide more details later.
The First Son, Ivan Cyomoro Kagame, joined the prestigious American military college mid-last year. In March, President Kagame visited the college to see his son and he also addressed students and staff.
US tells Rwanda to release professor.
By HENRY C. JACKSON
Associated Press Writer
June 3, 2010
The State Department is calling on the government of Rwanda to release a jailed U.S. law professor on the grounds of compassion.
State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters on Thursday that the United States is pressing for the release of Peter Erlinder, of St. Paul, Minn., who was arrested on Friday after being accused of denying the central African country's 1994 genocide.
Erlinder was hospitalized on Wednesday after what Rwandan officials said was an apparent suicide attempt. However, the 62-year-old Erlinder told consular officials that he took an oversdose of his prescription medication so that he would be sent from a squalid jail to the hospital.
That message was conveyed from the consulate in Rwanda to his family, who said Thursday they understood his actions to be part of an effort to escape a jail cell where he feared for his safety and was staying with seven or eight other inmates.
Associated Press Writer
June 3, 2010
The State Department is calling on the government of Rwanda to release a jailed U.S. law professor on the grounds of compassion.
State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters on Thursday that the United States is pressing for the release of Peter Erlinder, of St. Paul, Minn., who was arrested on Friday after being accused of denying the central African country's 1994 genocide.
Erlinder was hospitalized on Wednesday after what Rwandan officials said was an apparent suicide attempt. However, the 62-year-old Erlinder told consular officials that he took an oversdose of his prescription medication so that he would be sent from a squalid jail to the hospital.
That message was conveyed from the consulate in Rwanda to his family, who said Thursday they understood his actions to be part of an effort to escape a jail cell where he feared for his safety and was staying with seven or eight other inmates.
Ukraine's parliament votes to abandon Nato ambitions.
BBC News
3 June 2010
The Ukrainian parliament has approved a bill that effectively rejects any ambition to join Nato.
The law, submitted by President Viktor Yanukovych, cements Ukraine's status as a military non-aligned country - though it will co-operate with Nato.
President Yanukovych was elected earlier this year, vowing to end Ukraine's Nato membership ambitions and mend relations with Russia.
His predecessor, Viktor Yushchenko, had pursued a pro-Western foreign policy.
Under him, relations with Moscow had declined dramatically, with the Kremlin refusing to talk to him.
Since his February inauguration, Mr Yanukovych has wasted no time in re-shaping Ukraine's foreign policy in a more Moscow-friendly way, the BBC's David Stern in Kiev says.
In April, he agreed to extend the lease allowing Russia's Black Sea fleet to be stationed in the southern port of Sevastopol by 25 years in return for cheaper gas.
An extension of the lease, due to expire in 2017, had been opposed by Mr Yushchenko.
Moscow had made known its opposition to Ukraine's plans to join Nato, and opinion polls indicate the majority of Ukrainians opposed Nato membership too, our correspondent reports.
The new bill bars Ukraine's membership in any military bloc, but allows for co-operation with alliances such as Nato.
"The main element of predictability and consistency in Ukraine's foreign policy is its non-aligned status," Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said as he submitted the bill.
However, the new law will not affect Ukraine's political and economic integration with Europe.
Joining the European Union remains a priority, Mr Azarov said.
3 June 2010
The Ukrainian parliament has approved a bill that effectively rejects any ambition to join Nato.
The law, submitted by President Viktor Yanukovych, cements Ukraine's status as a military non-aligned country - though it will co-operate with Nato.
President Yanukovych was elected earlier this year, vowing to end Ukraine's Nato membership ambitions and mend relations with Russia.
His predecessor, Viktor Yushchenko, had pursued a pro-Western foreign policy.
Under him, relations with Moscow had declined dramatically, with the Kremlin refusing to talk to him.
Since his February inauguration, Mr Yanukovych has wasted no time in re-shaping Ukraine's foreign policy in a more Moscow-friendly way, the BBC's David Stern in Kiev says.
In April, he agreed to extend the lease allowing Russia's Black Sea fleet to be stationed in the southern port of Sevastopol by 25 years in return for cheaper gas.
An extension of the lease, due to expire in 2017, had been opposed by Mr Yushchenko.
Moscow had made known its opposition to Ukraine's plans to join Nato, and opinion polls indicate the majority of Ukrainians opposed Nato membership too, our correspondent reports.
The new bill bars Ukraine's membership in any military bloc, but allows for co-operation with alliances such as Nato.
"The main element of predictability and consistency in Ukraine's foreign policy is its non-aligned status," Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said as he submitted the bill.
However, the new law will not affect Ukraine's political and economic integration with Europe.
Joining the European Union remains a priority, Mr Azarov said.
CONTROVERSY AT THE ICTR OVER PETER ERLINDER'S ARREST.
Hirondelle News Agency
1 June 2010
Two French lawyers at the International criminal tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), Arthur Vercken and Anta Guissé, denounced on Tuesday the jurisdiction's silence regarding the arrest in Kigali of their American colleague Peter Erlinder over accusations related to "negation of the 1994 genocide".
Erlinder is President of the ICTR defence lawyers association in Arusha. He is currently defending former major Aloys Ntabakuze, who has been sentenced by the ICTR to life in jail in first instance and is now awaiting his appeal trial.
The American lawyer had been in Kigali for a week to be part of the defence team of Victoire Ingabire. An opponent to Paul Kagame's regime, she is charged with negation of the genocide, collaboration to a terrorist organization and spreading ethnic division.
"To date it seems the ICTR has not raised the slightest protest against this arrest or demanded the immediate freedom of this lawyer who is on its list and who represents an accused person", said the two attorneys in a written request.
Arthur Vercken and Anta Guissé are defending former senior official at the Ministry of Interior Callixte Kalimanzara. He has been sentenced to 30 years in jail by the lower court and is now waiting for his appeal hearing, scheduled for June 14.
"This silence heightens worry by defence lawyers. Kalimanzira's team can no longer carry out its duties in peace and security."
"Indeed, Rwandan law includes in its definition of 'genocide ideology' assisting those accused of genocide, even in one's professional capacity," they said.
"That being the case, Mr. Kalimanzira's counsels can not under any circumstances take the risk of being treated the same way as Mr. Erlinder and/or risk being prosecuted by the Rwandan government or having arrest warrants issued for us," the two lawyers added.
They then asked for a postponement sine die of their appeal hearing.
ICTR spokesman Roland Amoussouga rejected on Wednesday in a written statement the lawyers' allegations as regards to ICTR's silence.
"The ICTR sent on Monday an oral request (note verbale) to Rwandan authorities", he said. He also stated that the tribunal was in contact with Rwandan authorities as well as with Erlinder's defence.
According to Roland Amoussouga, the ICTR wants to know if Rwandan prosecution intends to use Peter Erlinder's work before the ICTR as part of the accusation.
"Mr Erlinder was not in Rwanda for a mission regarding his job at the ICTR (...) The ICTR doesn't have the power or the vocation for giving lawyers any immunity in cases that are not related to ICTR's mandate", he explained.
However, Roland Amoussouga reassessed that the tribunal was concerned by the case, and would be "uncompromising regarding the respect of ICTR's defence rights".
Editor's Note: Mr. Peter Robinson, lead defense counsel for Joseph Nzirorera, has also filed for a trial continuance for the exact same reason as Arthur Vercken and Anta Guissé. (http://www.peterrobinson.com/ICTR/Motion%20for%20Continuance_Erlinder.pdf)
1 June 2010
Two French lawyers at the International criminal tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), Arthur Vercken and Anta Guissé, denounced on Tuesday the jurisdiction's silence regarding the arrest in Kigali of their American colleague Peter Erlinder over accusations related to "negation of the 1994 genocide".
Erlinder is President of the ICTR defence lawyers association in Arusha. He is currently defending former major Aloys Ntabakuze, who has been sentenced by the ICTR to life in jail in first instance and is now awaiting his appeal trial.
The American lawyer had been in Kigali for a week to be part of the defence team of Victoire Ingabire. An opponent to Paul Kagame's regime, she is charged with negation of the genocide, collaboration to a terrorist organization and spreading ethnic division.
"To date it seems the ICTR has not raised the slightest protest against this arrest or demanded the immediate freedom of this lawyer who is on its list and who represents an accused person", said the two attorneys in a written request.
Arthur Vercken and Anta Guissé are defending former senior official at the Ministry of Interior Callixte Kalimanzara. He has been sentenced to 30 years in jail by the lower court and is now waiting for his appeal hearing, scheduled for June 14.
"This silence heightens worry by defence lawyers. Kalimanzira's team can no longer carry out its duties in peace and security."
"Indeed, Rwandan law includes in its definition of 'genocide ideology' assisting those accused of genocide, even in one's professional capacity," they said.
"That being the case, Mr. Kalimanzira's counsels can not under any circumstances take the risk of being treated the same way as Mr. Erlinder and/or risk being prosecuted by the Rwandan government or having arrest warrants issued for us," the two lawyers added.
They then asked for a postponement sine die of their appeal hearing.
ICTR spokesman Roland Amoussouga rejected on Wednesday in a written statement the lawyers' allegations as regards to ICTR's silence.
"The ICTR sent on Monday an oral request (note verbale) to Rwandan authorities", he said. He also stated that the tribunal was in contact with Rwandan authorities as well as with Erlinder's defence.
According to Roland Amoussouga, the ICTR wants to know if Rwandan prosecution intends to use Peter Erlinder's work before the ICTR as part of the accusation.
"Mr Erlinder was not in Rwanda for a mission regarding his job at the ICTR (...) The ICTR doesn't have the power or the vocation for giving lawyers any immunity in cases that are not related to ICTR's mandate", he explained.
However, Roland Amoussouga reassessed that the tribunal was concerned by the case, and would be "uncompromising regarding the respect of ICTR's defence rights".
Editor's Note: Mr. Peter Robinson, lead defense counsel for Joseph Nzirorera, has also filed for a trial continuance for the exact same reason as Arthur Vercken and Anta Guissé. (http://www.peterrobinson.com/ICTR/Motion%20for%20Continuance_Erlinder.pdf)
Uganda opposition leader urges ICC to probe Museveni.
AFP
3 June 2010
A senior Ugandan opposition leader Thursday lobbied the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor to investigate Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for war crimes.
Olara Otunnu, who heads the Uganda People's Congress, called Museveni's hosting of the ICC's ongoing review conference "a mockery of the Rome Statute (and) a moment of great shame," for the court.
"At my meeting with (ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno) Ocampo I asked him to investigate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in connection with crimes of war, genocide and crimes against humanity," Otunnu told journalists after the meeting.
Otunnu, who previously served as a UN Undersecretary General, said he gave Ocampo evidence on Uganda's occupation of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which ended in 2003, as well as on the two-decade civil war in northern Uganda, and the death of at least 30 people during riots in Kampala last year.
Ocampo told journalists he requested the meeting following a conversation last week with a member of Otunnu's political party.
"It is my duty to assess the information he provides to us," Ocampo said, adding he had previously been presented with information that Uganda backed former Congolese warlord and ICC indictee Thomas Lubanga, but never had sufficient evidence to indict a Ugandan individual.
In 2004, Ocampo investigated the war in northern Uganda and ultimately secured indictments against five senior Lord's Resistance Army rebel commanders, two of whom have since died, while three remain at large.
Otunnu argued that the prosecutor's failure to indict any Ugandan officials in connection with the LRA war constitutes a stain on the court's integrity.
Otunnu contended that the Ugandan army, on Museveni's instructions, forcibly imprisonned nearly two million people in camps, actions tantamount to a war crime.
Uganda has maintained people were forced into camps because it was the only way to protect them against LRA attacks.
"The notion that somebody with this record of impunity, this record of a trail of massacres and crimes, would be hosting the ICC Review conference, it is incomprehensible," Otunnu said.
At the conference, which ends next week, delegates are reviewing the ICC's first eight years, and considering adopting a new prosecutable offence.
3 June 2010
A senior Ugandan opposition leader Thursday lobbied the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor to investigate Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for war crimes.
Olara Otunnu, who heads the Uganda People's Congress, called Museveni's hosting of the ICC's ongoing review conference "a mockery of the Rome Statute (and) a moment of great shame," for the court.
"At my meeting with (ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno) Ocampo I asked him to investigate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in connection with crimes of war, genocide and crimes against humanity," Otunnu told journalists after the meeting.
Otunnu, who previously served as a UN Undersecretary General, said he gave Ocampo evidence on Uganda's occupation of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which ended in 2003, as well as on the two-decade civil war in northern Uganda, and the death of at least 30 people during riots in Kampala last year.
Ocampo told journalists he requested the meeting following a conversation last week with a member of Otunnu's political party.
"It is my duty to assess the information he provides to us," Ocampo said, adding he had previously been presented with information that Uganda backed former Congolese warlord and ICC indictee Thomas Lubanga, but never had sufficient evidence to indict a Ugandan individual.
In 2004, Ocampo investigated the war in northern Uganda and ultimately secured indictments against five senior Lord's Resistance Army rebel commanders, two of whom have since died, while three remain at large.
Otunnu argued that the prosecutor's failure to indict any Ugandan officials in connection with the LRA war constitutes a stain on the court's integrity.
Otunnu contended that the Ugandan army, on Museveni's instructions, forcibly imprisonned nearly two million people in camps, actions tantamount to a war crime.
Uganda has maintained people were forced into camps because it was the only way to protect them against LRA attacks.
"The notion that somebody with this record of impunity, this record of a trail of massacres and crimes, would be hosting the ICC Review conference, it is incomprehensible," Otunnu said.
At the conference, which ends next week, delegates are reviewing the ICC's first eight years, and considering adopting a new prosecutable offence.
ICTR says Peter Erlinder’s immunity does not apply to Erlinder's case.
Rwandan News Agency/WNJ
2 June 2010
Detained American Peter Erlinder has immunity from prosecution as a defense lawyer at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda but that applies only when he is in Rwanda on work related to the tribunal, the Arusha (Tanzania)-based court said Wednesday.
ICTR spokesman Roland Amoussouga said the court was trying to find out if the Rwandan judicial authorities "intend to use Erlinder's work at the ICTR as evidence for the prosecution".
"Erlinder was not in Rwanda for reasons linked to his activities at the ICTR. This doesn't mean the ICTR will not take an interest in his fate, but rather that the formulation of the ICTR's reaction will depend on what elements the prosecution decides to use against the accused," Amoussouga told Agence France Presse (AFP).
He said the court does not claim to have the power or the mandate to obtain immunity for its lawyers in cases that are not directly linked to their work at the ICTR.
"There are two situations where we can claim immunity for our lawyers: when they are on a trip for the ICTR and when the actions they are accused of committing were carried out in the framework of a case they are defending at the ICTR," he said.
The arrest of Erlinder "and the questions he is being asked do not seem to be linked to his activities at the tribunal", Amoussouga said.
The court was reacting Wednesday to fierce criticism from its defense attorneys over charges it has failed to take action after the arrest in Rwanda Professor Peter Erlinder.
Two French lawyers at the tribunal, Arthur Vercken and Anta Guisse, on Tuesday slammed the ICTR's silence over Erlinder's arrest.
"To date it seems the ICTR has not raised the slightest protest against this arrest or demanded the immediate freedom of this lawyer who is on its list and who represents an accused person," Vercken and Guisse said in a statement.
The two, who are defending a former senior official in Rwanda's interior ministry, Callixte Kalimanzira, said they fear Erlinder's pleas at the ICTR may be used as evidence against him in Rwanda.
"The ICTR acted swiftly, by communicating as early as Monday with the Rwandan authorities," the court's spokesman Amoussouga said, emphasizing that the ICTR is "in contact with the relevant Rwandan authorities and with Peter Erlinder's legal team".
On Tuesday, Prof. Erlinder’s file was transferred from police to prosecution – marking a possible court appearance soon. He was interrogated by investigating prosecutors till late evening and it was decided the process would continue Wednesday, says prosecution.
However, police detectives transporting Erlinder found him unconscious on Wednesday morning as they prepared to transport him to the prosecution office which is located within the same Kacyiru area as the police headquarters.
“Investigations will be halted until doctors rule [Erlinder] fit to continue with the interrogations,” Ngoga told a press conference. (Emphasis mine-Editor.)
2 June 2010
Detained American Peter Erlinder has immunity from prosecution as a defense lawyer at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda but that applies only when he is in Rwanda on work related to the tribunal, the Arusha (Tanzania)-based court said Wednesday.
ICTR spokesman Roland Amoussouga said the court was trying to find out if the Rwandan judicial authorities "intend to use Erlinder's work at the ICTR as evidence for the prosecution".
"Erlinder was not in Rwanda for reasons linked to his activities at the ICTR. This doesn't mean the ICTR will not take an interest in his fate, but rather that the formulation of the ICTR's reaction will depend on what elements the prosecution decides to use against the accused," Amoussouga told Agence France Presse (AFP).
He said the court does not claim to have the power or the mandate to obtain immunity for its lawyers in cases that are not directly linked to their work at the ICTR.
"There are two situations where we can claim immunity for our lawyers: when they are on a trip for the ICTR and when the actions they are accused of committing were carried out in the framework of a case they are defending at the ICTR," he said.
The arrest of Erlinder "and the questions he is being asked do not seem to be linked to his activities at the tribunal", Amoussouga said.
The court was reacting Wednesday to fierce criticism from its defense attorneys over charges it has failed to take action after the arrest in Rwanda Professor Peter Erlinder.
Two French lawyers at the tribunal, Arthur Vercken and Anta Guisse, on Tuesday slammed the ICTR's silence over Erlinder's arrest.
"To date it seems the ICTR has not raised the slightest protest against this arrest or demanded the immediate freedom of this lawyer who is on its list and who represents an accused person," Vercken and Guisse said in a statement.
The two, who are defending a former senior official in Rwanda's interior ministry, Callixte Kalimanzira, said they fear Erlinder's pleas at the ICTR may be used as evidence against him in Rwanda.
"The ICTR acted swiftly, by communicating as early as Monday with the Rwandan authorities," the court's spokesman Amoussouga said, emphasizing that the ICTR is "in contact with the relevant Rwandan authorities and with Peter Erlinder's legal team".
On Tuesday, Prof. Erlinder’s file was transferred from police to prosecution – marking a possible court appearance soon. He was interrogated by investigating prosecutors till late evening and it was decided the process would continue Wednesday, says prosecution.
However, police detectives transporting Erlinder found him unconscious on Wednesday morning as they prepared to transport him to the prosecution office which is located within the same Kacyiru area as the police headquarters.
“Investigations will be halted until doctors rule [Erlinder] fit to continue with the interrogations,” Ngoga told a press conference. (Emphasis mine-Editor.)
Controversial and Potentially Abusive Rwandan "Genocidal Ideology" Law Sending Hundreds to Prison.
Rwandan News Agency
2 June 2010
The Law on Genocide Ideology – which the Rwandan government is allegedly reviewing following a barrage of criticism since it was adopted in 2007, has left hundreds of people in jail, new records proove.
Figures published Tuesday by campaign group Amnesty International indicate that as of August 2009, there were reportedly 912 people in prison – with 356 awaiting trial; 556 convicted and sentenced, on genocide ideology charges.
The rights group – which is held in contempt by Kigali over fiercely attacking the government on several occasions over the controversial law, says some cases resulted in acquittals, often following a period of prolonged pre-trial detention.
President Kagame announced the law was being reviewed at cabinet level amid constant and numerous accusations that the government is using it to stifle free speech and political opposition. Since the law criminalizing denial of the 1994 Tutsi genocide was passed in 2007 (referred to here as “genocide ideology”), critics and donors have demanded its review.
At an April 12 press conference, President Kagame publicly expressed a more reconciliatory message claiming that the law should be assessed to see why critics continue to have a problem with it in its current state.
“But I don’t know of any case where it has been abused…that to my knowledge hasn’t come up. That does not even prevent us from looking at what is it really that people are worried about,” said Mr. Kagame.
“Is it said badly? Is it confusing? Maybe we need to fine-tune it to have it clear so that the Grey area is reduced. Maybe that also means the anticipated abuse of the law will probably be narrowed. There is flexibility in my view…I mean we are open to these exchanges…what I don’t accept is the anticipation that everybody will abuse…” he said.
For Amnesty International in the latest 2010 report, “although the law covers some acts that can constitute hate speech, it requires no link to any genocidal act and is extremely vague.”
“For example, it penalizes people with a 10- to 25-year prison term for "dehumanizing" a group of people by "laughing at one´s misfortune" or "stirring up ill feelings". It penalizes young children with sentences of up to 12 months at a rehabilitation centre, and those aged 12 to 18 with prison sentences of between five and twelve and a half years.”
Additionally, Amnesty International's number of people in jail over the law do not include those that have been arrested since the beginning of this year. During the 16th commemoration period in April, several people were arrested for allegedly negating the Tutsi Genocide.
A more recent case towards the end of April was that of a local official in Southern Rwanda arrested after allegedly referring to the Tutsi Genocide as civil war. The official was reported to the authorities by the area women member of parliament.
2 June 2010
The Law on Genocide Ideology – which the Rwandan government is allegedly reviewing following a barrage of criticism since it was adopted in 2007, has left hundreds of people in jail, new records proove.
Figures published Tuesday by campaign group Amnesty International indicate that as of August 2009, there were reportedly 912 people in prison – with 356 awaiting trial; 556 convicted and sentenced, on genocide ideology charges.
The rights group – which is held in contempt by Kigali over fiercely attacking the government on several occasions over the controversial law, says some cases resulted in acquittals, often following a period of prolonged pre-trial detention.
President Kagame announced the law was being reviewed at cabinet level amid constant and numerous accusations that the government is using it to stifle free speech and political opposition. Since the law criminalizing denial of the 1994 Tutsi genocide was passed in 2007 (referred to here as “genocide ideology”), critics and donors have demanded its review.
At an April 12 press conference, President Kagame publicly expressed a more reconciliatory message claiming that the law should be assessed to see why critics continue to have a problem with it in its current state.
“But I don’t know of any case where it has been abused…that to my knowledge hasn’t come up. That does not even prevent us from looking at what is it really that people are worried about,” said Mr. Kagame.
“Is it said badly? Is it confusing? Maybe we need to fine-tune it to have it clear so that the Grey area is reduced. Maybe that also means the anticipated abuse of the law will probably be narrowed. There is flexibility in my view…I mean we are open to these exchanges…what I don’t accept is the anticipation that everybody will abuse…” he said.
For Amnesty International in the latest 2010 report, “although the law covers some acts that can constitute hate speech, it requires no link to any genocidal act and is extremely vague.”
“For example, it penalizes people with a 10- to 25-year prison term for "dehumanizing" a group of people by "laughing at one´s misfortune" or "stirring up ill feelings". It penalizes young children with sentences of up to 12 months at a rehabilitation centre, and those aged 12 to 18 with prison sentences of between five and twelve and a half years.”
Additionally, Amnesty International's number of people in jail over the law do not include those that have been arrested since the beginning of this year. During the 16th commemoration period in April, several people were arrested for allegedly negating the Tutsi Genocide.
A more recent case towards the end of April was that of a local official in Southern Rwanda arrested after allegedly referring to the Tutsi Genocide as civil war. The official was reported to the authorities by the area women member of parliament.
ABA President Urges Rwanda To Observe UN Principles on Role of Lawyers.
American Bar Association
Press Release
2 June 2010
Mr. Peter Erlinder, a lawyer who is part of a defense team representing a Rwandan presidential candidate charged with “genocidal ideology,” has been arrested — apparently in connection with that representation. The American Bar Association urges the government of Rwanda to observe the U.N. Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which state that lawyers “shall not be identified with their clients or their clients’ causes as a result of discharging their functions” and that “governments shall ensure that lawyers are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference.” These principles also provide that “lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association and assembly.” The ABA calls upon the government of Rwanda to abide by these principles, and refrain from harassment of lawyers practicing law consistent with their professional obligations.
Press Release
2 June 2010
Mr. Peter Erlinder, a lawyer who is part of a defense team representing a Rwandan presidential candidate charged with “genocidal ideology,” has been arrested — apparently in connection with that representation. The American Bar Association urges the government of Rwanda to observe the U.N. Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which state that lawyers “shall not be identified with their clients or their clients’ causes as a result of discharging their functions” and that “governments shall ensure that lawyers are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference.” These principles also provide that “lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association and assembly.” The ABA calls upon the government of Rwanda to abide by these principles, and refrain from harassment of lawyers practicing law consistent with their professional obligations.
Darfur activism had very negative consequences-Cato Institute.
Reuters/WNJ
2 June 2010
Activists concerned about the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region diverted attention and aid from other African conflicts, a U.S.-based foundation said on Wednesday.
Darfur's rebellion, which began in 2003 and sparked the world's largest aid operation plus the largest U.N.-funded peacekeeping mission, has attracted unprecedented attention for an African conflict.
"There is no doubt that American activists were able to bring attention to the conflict in Darfur," a report by the U.S.-based Cato Institute said.
"Even so, their efforts had negative consequences ... the diversion of public attention from other wars of great scale and longevity," said the report, written by Marc Gustafson, which cited Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Save Darfur Coalition dismissed the comments.
"For all of Gustafson's good intentions and understanding of the Darfur conflict, his lack of familiarity with how U.S. political advocacy works in general -- and how Save Darfur functions in particular -- mortally undermine his conclusions," said Alex Meiner, senior adviser to the coalition.
The report said activist groups failed to recognise the change in the scale and nature of Darfur's conflict. The Save Darfur group claimed genocide was occurring when fighting had clearly subsided a great deal from the 2003-2004 height of the counter-insurgency.
"They helped shift U.S. diplomatic emphasis away from the peacemaking process and from atrocities committed by rebel groups," the report added.
The Cato report argued that this was because of a lack of a comprehensive peace deal, and blamed lobbyists for diverting Washington's focus away from peace talks and towards sending in international peacekeepers.
A joint U.N.-African Union peacekeeping mission -- a compromise after Khartoum rejected a Security Council resolution authorising a full U.N. takeover of faltering African Union troops in Darfur -- began to deploy on Dec. 31, 2007. Today the force is almost at 80 percent strength.
"The increase of international troops in Darfur did not reduce the problem of banditry or improve access to the affected population," the report said. "In fact humanitarian access to affected areas worsened after the United Nations began to deploy troops."
Peace talks in Qatar are stalled as the most militarily powerful Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) withdrew and attacked Sudanese convoys.
(Reporting by Opheera McDoom)
2 June 2010
Activists concerned about the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region diverted attention and aid from other African conflicts, a U.S.-based foundation said on Wednesday.
Darfur's rebellion, which began in 2003 and sparked the world's largest aid operation plus the largest U.N.-funded peacekeeping mission, has attracted unprecedented attention for an African conflict.
"There is no doubt that American activists were able to bring attention to the conflict in Darfur," a report by the U.S.-based Cato Institute said.
"Even so, their efforts had negative consequences ... the diversion of public attention from other wars of great scale and longevity," said the report, written by Marc Gustafson, which cited Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Save Darfur Coalition dismissed the comments.
"For all of Gustafson's good intentions and understanding of the Darfur conflict, his lack of familiarity with how U.S. political advocacy works in general -- and how Save Darfur functions in particular -- mortally undermine his conclusions," said Alex Meiner, senior adviser to the coalition.
The report said activist groups failed to recognise the change in the scale and nature of Darfur's conflict. The Save Darfur group claimed genocide was occurring when fighting had clearly subsided a great deal from the 2003-2004 height of the counter-insurgency.
"They helped shift U.S. diplomatic emphasis away from the peacemaking process and from atrocities committed by rebel groups," the report added.
The Cato report argued that this was because of a lack of a comprehensive peace deal, and blamed lobbyists for diverting Washington's focus away from peace talks and towards sending in international peacekeepers.
A joint U.N.-African Union peacekeeping mission -- a compromise after Khartoum rejected a Security Council resolution authorising a full U.N. takeover of faltering African Union troops in Darfur -- began to deploy on Dec. 31, 2007. Today the force is almost at 80 percent strength.
"The increase of international troops in Darfur did not reduce the problem of banditry or improve access to the affected population," the report said. "In fact humanitarian access to affected areas worsened after the United Nations began to deploy troops."
Peace talks in Qatar are stalled as the most militarily powerful Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) withdrew and attacked Sudanese convoys.
(Reporting by Opheera McDoom)
Rwanda May Ban Another Newspaper.
Catholic Information Service for Africa
2 June 2010
Agnes Uwimana, the publisher and editorial director of Umurabyo, a Kinyarwanda bi-weekly was summoned by the Media High Council (MHC).
She was warned that her paper faces unspecified sanctions if she continued publishing "defamatory articles and falsehoods that violate the professional ethics of journalism".
The MHC board chairman, Arthur Asiimwe, said the body had carefully scrutinized a series of reports by the Umurabyo bi-weekly and had decided to summon its editor.
"After assessing the explanations given by the management of Umurabyo, the MHC finds the newspaper guilty of publishing falsehoods," Asiimwe said.
He added: "Fortunately, we had positive talks with Uwimana where she apologized and accepted her mistakes and is willing to report professionally and respect the valid editorial line that Umurabyo is bound to follow."
The tabloid is also accused of promoting the double genocide ideology by stating in one of its editions that "all Rwandans slaughtered each other during the (1994) genocide."
"These false allegations are meant to cause worry and panic amongst the public. Umurabyo has been given the last warning. If they report unprofessionally again, we won't be left with any other option but to punish them," Asiimwe added.
But Uwimana said she had conceded to the fact that Umurabyo was not respecting its editorial line and that she was willing to respect ethical standards.
2 June 2010
Agnes Uwimana, the publisher and editorial director of Umurabyo, a Kinyarwanda bi-weekly was summoned by the Media High Council (MHC).
She was warned that her paper faces unspecified sanctions if she continued publishing "defamatory articles and falsehoods that violate the professional ethics of journalism".
The MHC board chairman, Arthur Asiimwe, said the body had carefully scrutinized a series of reports by the Umurabyo bi-weekly and had decided to summon its editor.
"After assessing the explanations given by the management of Umurabyo, the MHC finds the newspaper guilty of publishing falsehoods," Asiimwe said.
He added: "Fortunately, we had positive talks with Uwimana where she apologized and accepted her mistakes and is willing to report professionally and respect the valid editorial line that Umurabyo is bound to follow."
The tabloid is also accused of promoting the double genocide ideology by stating in one of its editions that "all Rwandans slaughtered each other during the (1994) genocide."
"These false allegations are meant to cause worry and panic amongst the public. Umurabyo has been given the last warning. If they report unprofessionally again, we won't be left with any other option but to punish them," Asiimwe added.
But Uwimana said she had conceded to the fact that Umurabyo was not respecting its editorial line and that she was willing to respect ethical standards.
Erlinder did not make suicide attempt.
Star Tribune
By RANDY FURST and PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune
June 2, 2010
Peter Erlinder, the St. Paul law professor jailed in Rwanda, did not try to commit suicide in his jail cell -- nor did he make a confession that police have alleged, a source close to Erlinder told the Star Tribune from Rwanda on Wednesday.
"It is complete poppycock," said the source in a telephone interview from Rwanda, directly refuting a claim made earlier Wednesday by Rwandan police.
Erlinder was arrested last Friday on allegations that he has denied the 1994 Rwanda genocide. He traveled to the African nation to represent opposition presidential candidate Victoire Ingabire, who also has been charged with promoting "genocide ideology."
Relatives and others who know the William Mitchell Law School professor scoffed at the notion that Erlinder would attempt suicide. "He is not the type of person that would commit suicide, not under these circumstances," said Scott Erlinder, his brother, who lives in Chicago.
Rwandan police held a news conference Wednesday, claiming that when they checked Erlinder in his jail cell on Wednesday morning, he was slumped over and nearly unconscious. The police claimed Erlinder had swallowed 45 to 50 pills. Police said they intervened before the pills could take effect and took him to a hospital.
The source told the Star Tribune that Erlinder was in the hospital now and described his condition as "fine." Said the source: "He is healthy." He said Erlinder was taken to the hospital because he was feeling ill, perhaps from extremely inhumane conditions in jail. "He has a foam mattress on a dirt floor with no pillow and one sheet and no mosquito net," the source said.
By RANDY FURST and PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune
June 2, 2010
Peter Erlinder, the St. Paul law professor jailed in Rwanda, did not try to commit suicide in his jail cell -- nor did he make a confession that police have alleged, a source close to Erlinder told the Star Tribune from Rwanda on Wednesday.
"It is complete poppycock," said the source in a telephone interview from Rwanda, directly refuting a claim made earlier Wednesday by Rwandan police.
Erlinder was arrested last Friday on allegations that he has denied the 1994 Rwanda genocide. He traveled to the African nation to represent opposition presidential candidate Victoire Ingabire, who also has been charged with promoting "genocide ideology."
Relatives and others who know the William Mitchell Law School professor scoffed at the notion that Erlinder would attempt suicide. "He is not the type of person that would commit suicide, not under these circumstances," said Scott Erlinder, his brother, who lives in Chicago.
Rwandan police held a news conference Wednesday, claiming that when they checked Erlinder in his jail cell on Wednesday morning, he was slumped over and nearly unconscious. The police claimed Erlinder had swallowed 45 to 50 pills. Police said they intervened before the pills could take effect and took him to a hospital.
The source told the Star Tribune that Erlinder was in the hospital now and described his condition as "fine." Said the source: "He is healthy." He said Erlinder was taken to the hospital because he was feeling ill, perhaps from extremely inhumane conditions in jail. "He has a foam mattress on a dirt floor with no pillow and one sheet and no mosquito net," the source said.
02 June, 2010
Unstable Rwanda Bad News for Private Investors in the Country.
Reuters
1 June 2010
By Hereward Holland
The international community has heaped praise on Rwanda for its rapid socio-economic recovery after the trauma of genocide 16 years ago, its stability and its bold vision to become a middle-income country by 2020.
But while the World Bank may have voted Rwanda the most improved business reformer globally, rifts within the ruling elite and regional insecurity threaten the investment climate.
Here are some of the risk factors:
RULING PARTY RIFT?
Foreign diplomats and sources close to the government say deepening rifts within the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) risk undermining the the nation's stability.
Regional analysts say parts of the banking, tea plantation, coffee, tobacco and mineral exporting businesses are now all in the hands of political elites close to Kagame and the RPF.
Political analysts say the divisions are partly connected to the privatisation of government and party assets into the hands of President Paul Kagame and his inner circle.
The Rwanda Development Board denied any government assets had been sold off to the RPF elite.
Meanwhile, Kagame's so-called war on graft has seen many former political associates
locked up.
The arrest of two senior army officials in April, following a dramatic reshuffle of the military hierarchy, underscored the tensions and erosion of trust at the top. Analysts say the generals' detention -- one for abuse of office, the other for immoral conduct -- is part of a crackdown on critics of Kagame's centralisation of party financing and political power.
Diplomatic sources say the arrest of Congolese Tutsi rebel Laurent Nkunda has also fuelled tensions within the ruling elite. A U.N. panel of experts reported in 2008 that the RPF had supported Nkunda's rebel war in easten Congo.
What to watch:
-- Rwandans will vote in an August 9 presidential poll which Kagame is widely tipped to win.
-- Rwanda's seizure of Nkunda last year heralded a new era in relations between the tiny central African nation and its giant neighbour. For years the two accused each other of backing the other's rebel factions. What happens to Nkunda could still influence the extent to which relations thaw. Congo wants him extradited for war crimes and treason but analysts say Rwanda would be reluctant to let him go, fearful of what Nkunda might divulge about his relationship with Kagame's administration.
1 June 2010
By Hereward Holland
The international community has heaped praise on Rwanda for its rapid socio-economic recovery after the trauma of genocide 16 years ago, its stability and its bold vision to become a middle-income country by 2020.
But while the World Bank may have voted Rwanda the most improved business reformer globally, rifts within the ruling elite and regional insecurity threaten the investment climate.
Here are some of the risk factors:
RULING PARTY RIFT?
Foreign diplomats and sources close to the government say deepening rifts within the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) risk undermining the the nation's stability.
Regional analysts say parts of the banking, tea plantation, coffee, tobacco and mineral exporting businesses are now all in the hands of political elites close to Kagame and the RPF.
Political analysts say the divisions are partly connected to the privatisation of government and party assets into the hands of President Paul Kagame and his inner circle.
The Rwanda Development Board denied any government assets had been sold off to the RPF elite.
Meanwhile, Kagame's so-called war on graft has seen many former political associates
locked up.
The arrest of two senior army officials in April, following a dramatic reshuffle of the military hierarchy, underscored the tensions and erosion of trust at the top. Analysts say the generals' detention -- one for abuse of office, the other for immoral conduct -- is part of a crackdown on critics of Kagame's centralisation of party financing and political power.
Diplomatic sources say the arrest of Congolese Tutsi rebel Laurent Nkunda has also fuelled tensions within the ruling elite. A U.N. panel of experts reported in 2008 that the RPF had supported Nkunda's rebel war in easten Congo.
What to watch:
-- Rwandans will vote in an August 9 presidential poll which Kagame is widely tipped to win.
-- Rwanda's seizure of Nkunda last year heralded a new era in relations between the tiny central African nation and its giant neighbour. For years the two accused each other of backing the other's rebel factions. What happens to Nkunda could still influence the extent to which relations thaw. Congo wants him extradited for war crimes and treason but analysts say Rwanda would be reluctant to let him go, fearful of what Nkunda might divulge about his relationship with Kagame's administration.
Democratic Green Party of Rwanda Open Letter to the Representative of the European Union.
The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda (PCC)
C/O. B.P. 6334
Kigali, Rwanda,
Tel: +250 788563039,
+250 728636000,
+250 788307145
1st June 2010
Open Letter to the Representative of the European Union
Your Excellency,
The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda which brings together, the United Democratic Forces (FDU–Inkingi), the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, the Parti Social-IMBERAKURI would like to draw your attention to the growing social and political tension in Rwanda in the run up to the planned elections in August 2010. We would like to request an urgent action from the part of the EU to use its influence to stop the situation from degenerating further, so that it does not threaten peace and security in Rwanda and indeed in the sub region.
It is our very considered view that the tension which is now felt both in the military and in the civil society in general is a result of the government’s repressive measures against those who do not toe the government line and a purge in the army where some of the most senior military officials have fled the country and others have been arrested just because they hold different views from that of the President, who is the commander in chief of the Army.
We strongly believe that only a democratic system of government is the only one capable of managing the present societal and political demands of the Rwandan society. This has been acknowledged in the UNDP Human Development report which was endorsed theoretically by the Government in its blueprint for development: turning 2020 vision into reality. Among other things it called on government to “further
deepen the democratisation process by strengthening the capacity of civil society, the media and the wider political sphere, which represent the pillars of a truly open and vibrant democratic society” and an important tool to managing growing society demands.
In this regard the same report warns that “Rwanda’s high growth rates are deceptive in that they hide large and growing inequalities between social classes, geographic regions and gender (Chapter 2.3). These disparities cut across all sectors and undermine Rwanda’s progress towards the MDGs in all areas from health to education and even poverty reduction”.
http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/nationalreports/africa/rwanda/RWANDA_2007_en.pdf
Indeed our political organisations consider that the values of freedom of speech and association, human rights and the rule of law are not niceties of the West but universal and as former Prime Minister of Britain Tony Blair declared before the US congress in July 2003, are “universal values of the human spirit and anywhere, anytime”.
We consider the recent comment of the President of Rwanda in the Guardian and The Independent that Rwanda is not ready for the ‘medicine’ of democracy, that they need food on the table more than those niceties, this implying that Rwandans are not mature to use their votes rationally. This is an insult to their conscience and their dignity.
In this respect we hold the view that a proper process in the conduct of the forthcoming elections is a turning point in deciding the political and social development of Rwanda in the future. Supporting, condoning or turning a blind eye to a process that denies Rwandans a freedom of choice between different political programs through transparent competitive elections will be tantamount to complicity in creating seeds of political and social instability in Rwanda. We hold the view that the cycle of political violence in Rwanda whether under the monarchical regime or under republicanism has been due to repressive systems of government and lack of a democratic and transparent competition for a peaceful transfer of power.
The real threat to peace and sustainable development in Rwanda is not the existence of ethnic groups or mentioning their existence but the over concentration of power in the presidency and the exercise of power unrestrained by parliament, the judiciary and the civil service, lack of respect for human rights, scandalous economic inequalities and the absence of genuine political participation due to lack of active party politics. Therefore a democratic form of government is a condition for development.
The European Union will recall the comments made by its observers during the presidential elections of 2003 when the head of the European Union Observer Mission, Ms Collette Fleische observed, as reported in the Monitor Newspaper of August 28, 2003, that there was lack of transparency in the election process pointing out that “there were cases where EU observers were not welcome at polling stations, while some officials were denied access to where votes were being consolidated” and reported that “ballot box stuffing was obvious from the significant difference between the voters' lists and ballots”. According to the same papers she also highlighted the "mysterious disappearances" of political opponents ahead of the
elections and the use of state resources by the incumbent in the campaigns.
A Belgian member of the European Parliament Nellie Maes, who observed the polls in Rwanda in 2003 equally pointed out that “You cannot speak of democratic elections in the classic sense of the word. That requires opposition, and there is no opposition."
We are surprised that the EU in light of such observation would again finance a
process that is more flawed than 7 years earlier, without preconditions.
The situation is now marked by a very high turnover of people fleeing the country; the government taking a number of steps to limit the ability of opposition parties to organize their political activities by arresting one of the political leaders and her lawyer, threatening opposition leaders and putting in jail opposition militants, refusing them the right to register, putting up laws that limit the freedom of
expression, banning newspapers that are critical of government and forcing into
exile human rights activists that challenge the government of its human rights record.
The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda would like the European Union consider the following;
- Require the government to register the political parties (FDU-Inkingi and Democratic Green Party of Rwanda) without any condition.
-Put conditions to the granting of financial support to the election process in order to ensure that the process is transparent and fair. This would mean ending the harassment of the political opposition, allowing genuine opposition political parties to register organise and campaign at grassroots level and remove law clauses that restrict the freedom of expression and in particular those that limit criticism of government policies and political leadership
-Require the government to create an independent electoral commission in which
opposition parties are represented as key actors in electoral process
-Impress upon the government to stop the use of national resources to fund the campaign of the candidate of the regime in power.
-To request the Incumbent President, to stop electoral campaigns before the campaign period starts.
-Require the Rwandan government to postpone elections until the political situation is conducive to holding free, transparent elections and all political parties are given the right to exercise their civil and political rights fully.
-To be on the side of the Rwandan people during these difficult times that the government is oppressing dissenting voices in an attempt to end the democratic process that had started.
-Require the government to stop resorting to illegal means in splitting opposition
parties.
-The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties is seriously concerned that flawed elections will further increase the social tension with unforeseeable consequences on the political and sustainable economic development of the country.
Mrs. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza
Chairperson, United Democratic Forces
Mr. Frank Habineza
Chairman, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
Me. Bernard Ntaganda
Chairman, Parti Social-Imberakuri
C/O. B.P. 6334
Kigali, Rwanda,
Tel: +250 788563039,
+250 728636000,
+250 788307145
1st June 2010
Open Letter to the Representative of the European Union
Your Excellency,
The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda which brings together, the United Democratic Forces (FDU–Inkingi), the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, the Parti Social-IMBERAKURI would like to draw your attention to the growing social and political tension in Rwanda in the run up to the planned elections in August 2010. We would like to request an urgent action from the part of the EU to use its influence to stop the situation from degenerating further, so that it does not threaten peace and security in Rwanda and indeed in the sub region.
It is our very considered view that the tension which is now felt both in the military and in the civil society in general is a result of the government’s repressive measures against those who do not toe the government line and a purge in the army where some of the most senior military officials have fled the country and others have been arrested just because they hold different views from that of the President, who is the commander in chief of the Army.
We strongly believe that only a democratic system of government is the only one capable of managing the present societal and political demands of the Rwandan society. This has been acknowledged in the UNDP Human Development report which was endorsed theoretically by the Government in its blueprint for development: turning 2020 vision into reality. Among other things it called on government to “further
deepen the democratisation process by strengthening the capacity of civil society, the media and the wider political sphere, which represent the pillars of a truly open and vibrant democratic society” and an important tool to managing growing society demands.
In this regard the same report warns that “Rwanda’s high growth rates are deceptive in that they hide large and growing inequalities between social classes, geographic regions and gender (Chapter 2.3). These disparities cut across all sectors and undermine Rwanda’s progress towards the MDGs in all areas from health to education and even poverty reduction”.
http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/nationalreports/africa/rwanda/RWANDA_2007_en.pdf
Indeed our political organisations consider that the values of freedom of speech and association, human rights and the rule of law are not niceties of the West but universal and as former Prime Minister of Britain Tony Blair declared before the US congress in July 2003, are “universal values of the human spirit and anywhere, anytime”.
We consider the recent comment of the President of Rwanda in the Guardian and The Independent that Rwanda is not ready for the ‘medicine’ of democracy, that they need food on the table more than those niceties, this implying that Rwandans are not mature to use their votes rationally. This is an insult to their conscience and their dignity.
In this respect we hold the view that a proper process in the conduct of the forthcoming elections is a turning point in deciding the political and social development of Rwanda in the future. Supporting, condoning or turning a blind eye to a process that denies Rwandans a freedom of choice between different political programs through transparent competitive elections will be tantamount to complicity in creating seeds of political and social instability in Rwanda. We hold the view that the cycle of political violence in Rwanda whether under the monarchical regime or under republicanism has been due to repressive systems of government and lack of a democratic and transparent competition for a peaceful transfer of power.
The real threat to peace and sustainable development in Rwanda is not the existence of ethnic groups or mentioning their existence but the over concentration of power in the presidency and the exercise of power unrestrained by parliament, the judiciary and the civil service, lack of respect for human rights, scandalous economic inequalities and the absence of genuine political participation due to lack of active party politics. Therefore a democratic form of government is a condition for development.
The European Union will recall the comments made by its observers during the presidential elections of 2003 when the head of the European Union Observer Mission, Ms Collette Fleische observed, as reported in the Monitor Newspaper of August 28, 2003, that there was lack of transparency in the election process pointing out that “there were cases where EU observers were not welcome at polling stations, while some officials were denied access to where votes were being consolidated” and reported that “ballot box stuffing was obvious from the significant difference between the voters' lists and ballots”. According to the same papers she also highlighted the "mysterious disappearances" of political opponents ahead of the
elections and the use of state resources by the incumbent in the campaigns.
A Belgian member of the European Parliament Nellie Maes, who observed the polls in Rwanda in 2003 equally pointed out that “You cannot speak of democratic elections in the classic sense of the word. That requires opposition, and there is no opposition."
We are surprised that the EU in light of such observation would again finance a
process that is more flawed than 7 years earlier, without preconditions.
The situation is now marked by a very high turnover of people fleeing the country; the government taking a number of steps to limit the ability of opposition parties to organize their political activities by arresting one of the political leaders and her lawyer, threatening opposition leaders and putting in jail opposition militants, refusing them the right to register, putting up laws that limit the freedom of
expression, banning newspapers that are critical of government and forcing into
exile human rights activists that challenge the government of its human rights record.
The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda would like the European Union consider the following;
- Require the government to register the political parties (FDU-Inkingi and Democratic Green Party of Rwanda) without any condition.
-Put conditions to the granting of financial support to the election process in order to ensure that the process is transparent and fair. This would mean ending the harassment of the political opposition, allowing genuine opposition political parties to register organise and campaign at grassroots level and remove law clauses that restrict the freedom of expression and in particular those that limit criticism of government policies and political leadership
-Require the government to create an independent electoral commission in which
opposition parties are represented as key actors in electoral process
-Impress upon the government to stop the use of national resources to fund the campaign of the candidate of the regime in power.
-To request the Incumbent President, to stop electoral campaigns before the campaign period starts.
-Require the Rwandan government to postpone elections until the political situation is conducive to holding free, transparent elections and all political parties are given the right to exercise their civil and political rights fully.
-To be on the side of the Rwandan people during these difficult times that the government is oppressing dissenting voices in an attempt to end the democratic process that had started.
-Require the government to stop resorting to illegal means in splitting opposition
parties.
-The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties is seriously concerned that flawed elections will further increase the social tension with unforeseeable consequences on the political and sustainable economic development of the country.
Mrs. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza
Chairperson, United Democratic Forces
Mr. Frank Habineza
Chairman, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
Me. Bernard Ntaganda
Chairman, Parti Social-Imberakuri
Paul Rusesabagina Demands Peter Erlinder’s Immediate Release to Save his Life.
Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kitty Kurth
June 2, 2010
Phone: 312-617-7288
Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Founder and President Paul Rusesabagina, whose life story was the basis for the movie Hotel Rwanda, said today, “This morning it was reported that Peter Erlinder tried to commit suicide. According to his family and all past behavior this is inconceivable. It is very likely that the Rwandan government is trying to silence him. Professor Peter Erlinder was in Rwanda doing his job as lawyer. In a civil society, that is not grounds for arrest. If President Kagame considers Rwanda a democracy that adheres to the rule of law, he must release Professor Erlinder immediately. The way for President Kagame to show that there is hope for real justice and human rights in Rwanda is to release Professor Erlinder. ”
American law professor C. Peter Erlinder (William and Mitchell College of Law - Minnesota) was arrested last week over accusations related to negating the Rwandan genocide. The Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation deplores this clearly politically motivated arrest, and implores the international community to act quickly and decisively to demand Professor Erlinder's immediate release from custody.
Hotel Rwanda Ruseabagina Foundation has contacted supporters in countries around the globe to ask them to contact their own elected and appointed officials as well as the Rwandan Government directly to ask the Rwandan President to release Peter Erlinder immediately and without condition.
Erlinder, an outspoken critic of the Kagame regime, is frequently criticized by the Rwandan government. His name recently appeared on a publicized list of foreigners who the Rwandan government allegedly wants silenced for their views. Erlinder traveled to Rwanda last week to defend presidential candidate Victoire Ingabire on the charges brought against her by the Rwandan government. Mrs. Ingabire, a political opponent of current President Kagame, was jailed recently and is currently under house arrest for expressing her political views, which are in opposition to official government policies. Erlinder is also a defense lawyer and leader of the association of defense attorneys at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania. His current trip to Rwanda was intended to provide defense counsel in a peaceful legal process, but with this arrest his human rights, liberty and possibly his personal safety are in danger.
Professor Erlinder was reportedly arrested on charges of "genocide negationism," which means that he disagrees with the official version of the 1994 genocide perpetuated by the current Rwandan regime. This law is frequently applied to silence critics of the regime. In the past it has been applied to Mrs. Ingabire, Human Rights Watch investigators, and even the BBC.
Immediate action is needed to free Professor Erlinder and guarantee his human rights and personal safety.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kitty Kurth
June 2, 2010
Phone: 312-617-7288
Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Founder and President Paul Rusesabagina, whose life story was the basis for the movie Hotel Rwanda, said today, “This morning it was reported that Peter Erlinder tried to commit suicide. According to his family and all past behavior this is inconceivable. It is very likely that the Rwandan government is trying to silence him. Professor Peter Erlinder was in Rwanda doing his job as lawyer. In a civil society, that is not grounds for arrest. If President Kagame considers Rwanda a democracy that adheres to the rule of law, he must release Professor Erlinder immediately. The way for President Kagame to show that there is hope for real justice and human rights in Rwanda is to release Professor Erlinder. ”
American law professor C. Peter Erlinder (William and Mitchell College of Law - Minnesota) was arrested last week over accusations related to negating the Rwandan genocide. The Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation deplores this clearly politically motivated arrest, and implores the international community to act quickly and decisively to demand Professor Erlinder's immediate release from custody.
Hotel Rwanda Ruseabagina Foundation has contacted supporters in countries around the globe to ask them to contact their own elected and appointed officials as well as the Rwandan Government directly to ask the Rwandan President to release Peter Erlinder immediately and without condition.
Erlinder, an outspoken critic of the Kagame regime, is frequently criticized by the Rwandan government. His name recently appeared on a publicized list of foreigners who the Rwandan government allegedly wants silenced for their views. Erlinder traveled to Rwanda last week to defend presidential candidate Victoire Ingabire on the charges brought against her by the Rwandan government. Mrs. Ingabire, a political opponent of current President Kagame, was jailed recently and is currently under house arrest for expressing her political views, which are in opposition to official government policies. Erlinder is also a defense lawyer and leader of the association of defense attorneys at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania. His current trip to Rwanda was intended to provide defense counsel in a peaceful legal process, but with this arrest his human rights, liberty and possibly his personal safety are in danger.
Professor Erlinder was reportedly arrested on charges of "genocide negationism," which means that he disagrees with the official version of the 1994 genocide perpetuated by the current Rwandan regime. This law is frequently applied to silence critics of the regime. In the past it has been applied to Mrs. Ingabire, Human Rights Watch investigators, and even the BBC.
Immediate action is needed to free Professor Erlinder and guarantee his human rights and personal safety.
Peter Erlinder's Family and their Legal Team Seek Release of Peter Erlinder from Rwanda jail.
NEWS ADVISORY - 6/3/2010
Group travels to D.C. for meetings with State Department, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and the United Nations.
Press Conference – 9:30 a.m.
National Press Club, The West Room
529 14th St, NW
Washington, DC
Participants:
Masako Usui, Wife of Peter Erlinder
David Scott Erlinder, brother of Peter Erlinder
Sarah Erlinder, Arizona Attorney and daughter of Peter Erlinder
David Thomas, Chicago Attorney
Gena Berglund, Associate Director, International Humanitarian Law Institute of Minnesota
David Gespass, President, National Lawyers Guild
Heidi Boghosian, Executive Director, National Lawyers Guild
Thursday, June 3, 2010 (Washington, DC) –
Peter Erlinder's Family and their legal team calls on the U.S. State Department and the United Nations to prevail upon Rwanda to release Peter Erlinder immediately. They are concerned about his health and the conditions of his detention.
Professor Erlinder, 62, is a faculty member at William Mitchell College of Law in the United States and president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Defense Lawyers Association. He was arrested by the government of Rwanda under the leadership of president Paul Kagame on May 27 in Rwanda in the course of his representation of Rwanda’s opposition leader, Victoire Ingabire.
Erlinder arrived in Kigali on May 23 to take up the legal representation of Victoire Ingabire, a Hutu expatriate who had spent the past 16 years in the Netherlands, but who immediately upon her return to Rwanda in January was regarded as the leading opposition figure, though her United Democratic Forces hadn't been able to register as an official party. The Kagame regime arrested her on April 21, and charged her with "association with a terrorist group; propagating genocide ideology; negationism and ethnic divisionism." As 2010 is an election year in Rwanda (now scheduled
for August 9), the arrest of Ingabire may help Kagame once again avoid any meaningful electoral contest.
Prior to entering Rwanda, Erlinder called on the Rwandan government, the State Department, the U.S. Embassy, and UN agencies in Rwanda to guarantee his safety and that of his client.
Now Peter Erlinder's family calls upon the U.S. State Deparment, Secretary of State and the United Nations to secure the release of Peter Erlinder and his safe journey back to the United States.
Peter Erlinder discovered thousands of original U.N. and U.S. document at the United Nations office in New York that raised legitimate questions about Rwanda's official story about the 1994 genocide. See http://www.rwandadocumentsproject.net/gsdl/cgi-bin/library. From reading and sorting the mountain of documents he learned that the so-called “1994 genocide” happened during the last three months of a four-year civil war in Rwanda. During the war, “Hutu” Government repeatedly requested ceasefire because they lacked the military capacity to put down the civilian massacre but “Tutsi rebels led by Kagame” refused it.
Peter Erlinder wrote, “There is no doubt that extreme violence swept Rwanda.” Former U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda from 1990 to 1993, Robert Flaten who testified on the UN-ICTR responding to Erlinder’s request, clearly stated “He had said throughout this period … that there were atrocities committed on both sides and that the invading army [led by Kagame] also massacred many people and that's a truth that needs to be told.” (MPR news Q, May 28, 2010)
"Professor Erlinder has been acting in the best tradition of the legal profession and has been a vigorous advocate in his representation of his clients. There can be no justice for anyone if the state can silence lawyers for representing defendants it dislikes. A government that seeks to prevent lawyers from being vigorous advocates for their clients cannot be trusted. The entire National Lawyers Guild is honored by Erlinder's membership, his leadership as past president and his courageous advocacy." said David Gespass, president of the National Lawyers Guild.
"The offense Peter is charged with is not based on facts, but on the suppression of free speech in his representation of clients, which undermines the rule of law. His family knows he stands with people who are oppressed by those in power and he encourages people to stand up for justice." Masako Usui, wife of Peter Erlinder.
"The International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) is outraged at the arrest of Peter Erlinder in Rwanda. This arrest violates the rights and privileges of lawyers in discharging their professional responsibilities, constitutes a willful obstruction of the judicial process and is in gross violation of the rights of defense of an accused person." Jeanne Mirer, President, International Association of Democratic Lawyers
"Peter is a committed advocate who even last week assisted me in representing a Somalian client facing extradition from the Netherlands to the United States. I know him as dedicated lawyer who argues forcefully but ethically for the protection of his clients interests. His arrest comes as a shock and is an important reminder of the vulnerability of lawyers positions in some countries." Bart Stapert, Amsterdam Lawyer.
CONTACT:
Masako Usui, wife of Peter Erlinder, 651-271-4535
Gena Berglund. International Humanitarian Law Institute of Minnesota, 651-208-7964
Group travels to D.C. for meetings with State Department, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and the United Nations.
Press Conference – 9:30 a.m.
National Press Club, The West Room
529 14th St, NW
Washington, DC
Participants:
Masako Usui, Wife of Peter Erlinder
David Scott Erlinder, brother of Peter Erlinder
Sarah Erlinder, Arizona Attorney and daughter of Peter Erlinder
David Thomas, Chicago Attorney
Gena Berglund, Associate Director, International Humanitarian Law Institute of Minnesota
David Gespass, President, National Lawyers Guild
Heidi Boghosian, Executive Director, National Lawyers Guild
Thursday, June 3, 2010 (Washington, DC) –
Peter Erlinder's Family and their legal team calls on the U.S. State Department and the United Nations to prevail upon Rwanda to release Peter Erlinder immediately. They are concerned about his health and the conditions of his detention.
Professor Erlinder, 62, is a faculty member at William Mitchell College of Law in the United States and president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Defense Lawyers Association. He was arrested by the government of Rwanda under the leadership of president Paul Kagame on May 27 in Rwanda in the course of his representation of Rwanda’s opposition leader, Victoire Ingabire.
Erlinder arrived in Kigali on May 23 to take up the legal representation of Victoire Ingabire, a Hutu expatriate who had spent the past 16 years in the Netherlands, but who immediately upon her return to Rwanda in January was regarded as the leading opposition figure, though her United Democratic Forces hadn't been able to register as an official party. The Kagame regime arrested her on April 21, and charged her with "association with a terrorist group; propagating genocide ideology; negationism and ethnic divisionism." As 2010 is an election year in Rwanda (now scheduled
for August 9), the arrest of Ingabire may help Kagame once again avoid any meaningful electoral contest.
Prior to entering Rwanda, Erlinder called on the Rwandan government, the State Department, the U.S. Embassy, and UN agencies in Rwanda to guarantee his safety and that of his client.
Now Peter Erlinder's family calls upon the U.S. State Deparment, Secretary of State and the United Nations to secure the release of Peter Erlinder and his safe journey back to the United States.
Peter Erlinder discovered thousands of original U.N. and U.S. document at the United Nations office in New York that raised legitimate questions about Rwanda's official story about the 1994 genocide. See http://www.rwandadocumentsproject.net/gsdl/cgi-bin/library. From reading and sorting the mountain of documents he learned that the so-called “1994 genocide” happened during the last three months of a four-year civil war in Rwanda. During the war, “Hutu” Government repeatedly requested ceasefire because they lacked the military capacity to put down the civilian massacre but “Tutsi rebels led by Kagame” refused it.
Peter Erlinder wrote, “There is no doubt that extreme violence swept Rwanda.” Former U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda from 1990 to 1993, Robert Flaten who testified on the UN-ICTR responding to Erlinder’s request, clearly stated “He had said throughout this period … that there were atrocities committed on both sides and that the invading army [led by Kagame] also massacred many people and that's a truth that needs to be told.” (MPR news Q, May 28, 2010)
"Professor Erlinder has been acting in the best tradition of the legal profession and has been a vigorous advocate in his representation of his clients. There can be no justice for anyone if the state can silence lawyers for representing defendants it dislikes. A government that seeks to prevent lawyers from being vigorous advocates for their clients cannot be trusted. The entire National Lawyers Guild is honored by Erlinder's membership, his leadership as past president and his courageous advocacy." said David Gespass, president of the National Lawyers Guild.
"The offense Peter is charged with is not based on facts, but on the suppression of free speech in his representation of clients, which undermines the rule of law. His family knows he stands with people who are oppressed by those in power and he encourages people to stand up for justice." Masako Usui, wife of Peter Erlinder.
"The International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) is outraged at the arrest of Peter Erlinder in Rwanda. This arrest violates the rights and privileges of lawyers in discharging their professional responsibilities, constitutes a willful obstruction of the judicial process and is in gross violation of the rights of defense of an accused person." Jeanne Mirer, President, International Association of Democratic Lawyers
"Peter is a committed advocate who even last week assisted me in representing a Somalian client facing extradition from the Netherlands to the United States. I know him as dedicated lawyer who argues forcefully but ethically for the protection of his clients interests. His arrest comes as a shock and is an important reminder of the vulnerability of lawyers positions in some countries." Bart Stapert, Amsterdam Lawyer.
CONTACT:
Masako Usui, wife of Peter Erlinder, 651-271-4535
Gena Berglund. International Humanitarian Law Institute of Minnesota, 651-208-7964
Erlinder back in hospital in Rwanda; situation extremely 'dire.'
by Elizabeth Dunbar
Minnesota Public Radio
June 2, 2010
Minnesota law professor Peter Erlinder is back in a Rwandan hospital, his daughter confirmed Wednesday after speaking with one of her father's attorneys.
Sarah Erlinder said the circumstances of his latest trip to the hospital were still unclear, but she said his lawyers and a representative from the U.S. Embassy have been able to visit him and report that he's stable.
Authorities in Rwanda say Erlinder was taken to the hospital after trying to commit suicide.
Rwandan police spokesman Eric Kayiranga told The New York Times that Erlinder swallowed a handful of prescription pills. When they asked him why, Kayiranga told the Times Erlinder told them he wanted to commit suicide.
Sarah Erlinder said her family believes it's highly unlikely that Erlinder attempted suicide.
"I don't believe it at all," she said in an interview from Washington, D.C., where she and other family members hope to meet with State Department officials on Erlinder's situation.
Erlinder said her family and other supporters are concerned Rwandan authorities might harm him.
"I think that it means that his situation has gotten absolutely dire. I think that they have to either consider it an attempt on his life or laying the groundwork to kill him and claim that it was suicide," she said.
Peter Erlinder is accused of promoting genocide ideology. He was in Rwanda representing a presidential challenger who was also accused of promoting "genocide ideology."
Genocide is a sensitive subject in Rwanda after the 1994 killing of an estimated 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Current Rwandan President Paul Kagame is credited with ending the massacres when he led mostly Tutsi rebels to defeat the Hutus.
Erlinder, a professor at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, has criticized Kagame and has questioned the Rwandan government's official explanation of the 1994 genocide.
(MPR reporter Madeleine Baran contributed to this report)
Minnesota Public Radio
June 2, 2010
Minnesota law professor Peter Erlinder is back in a Rwandan hospital, his daughter confirmed Wednesday after speaking with one of her father's attorneys.
Sarah Erlinder said the circumstances of his latest trip to the hospital were still unclear, but she said his lawyers and a representative from the U.S. Embassy have been able to visit him and report that he's stable.
Authorities in Rwanda say Erlinder was taken to the hospital after trying to commit suicide.
Rwandan police spokesman Eric Kayiranga told The New York Times that Erlinder swallowed a handful of prescription pills. When they asked him why, Kayiranga told the Times Erlinder told them he wanted to commit suicide.
Sarah Erlinder said her family believes it's highly unlikely that Erlinder attempted suicide.
"I don't believe it at all," she said in an interview from Washington, D.C., where she and other family members hope to meet with State Department officials on Erlinder's situation.
Erlinder said her family and other supporters are concerned Rwandan authorities might harm him.
"I think that it means that his situation has gotten absolutely dire. I think that they have to either consider it an attempt on his life or laying the groundwork to kill him and claim that it was suicide," she said.
Peter Erlinder is accused of promoting genocide ideology. He was in Rwanda representing a presidential challenger who was also accused of promoting "genocide ideology."
Genocide is a sensitive subject in Rwanda after the 1994 killing of an estimated 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Current Rwandan President Paul Kagame is credited with ending the massacres when he led mostly Tutsi rebels to defeat the Hutus.
Erlinder, a professor at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, has criticized Kagame and has questioned the Rwandan government's official explanation of the 1994 genocide.
(MPR reporter Madeleine Baran contributed to this report)
2 More Opposition Parties Reject Ethiopian Poll.
SAPA
1 June 2010
Two Ethiopian opposition parties on Tuesday rejected the results of parliamentary elections which gave Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's ruling coalition a crushing majority last week.
Berhan for Unity and Democracy and the Ethiopian Democratic Coalition Front said the polls were riddled with irregularities and called for a re-run.
"Our supporters were subject to intimidation, while our observers did not attend in many constituencies. Therefore we call on the authorities to hold elections again," they said in a joint statement.
Medrek, the country's main opposition bloc, as well as the All Ethiopians Unity Party had previously shunned the results for the same reasons.
Meles' EPRDF party won 499 out of 536 seats, including a clean sweep of areas previously controlled by the opposition, in provisional results announced a day after the vote.
1 June 2010
Two Ethiopian opposition parties on Tuesday rejected the results of parliamentary elections which gave Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's ruling coalition a crushing majority last week.
Berhan for Unity and Democracy and the Ethiopian Democratic Coalition Front said the polls were riddled with irregularities and called for a re-run.
"Our supporters were subject to intimidation, while our observers did not attend in many constituencies. Therefore we call on the authorities to hold elections again," they said in a joint statement.
Medrek, the country's main opposition bloc, as well as the All Ethiopians Unity Party had previously shunned the results for the same reasons.
Meles' EPRDF party won 499 out of 536 seats, including a clean sweep of areas previously controlled by the opposition, in provisional results announced a day after the vote.
01 June, 2010
Rwandan Opposition Leader's Trial and Opportuntity to Run in Elections Blocked.
Daily Nation
1 June 2010
By Josh Kron
After promising a swift trial, the prosecution team in Rwanda now says that investigations into opposition figure Victoire Ingabire could take up to a year, blocking the politician from the 2010 presidential elections.
Ms Ingabire was arrested in April on charges of 'genocide ideology,' 'divisionism,' and colluding with an ethnic rebel group in the Congo, charges that if she is convicted of could bring her decades in prison.
More than a month later, the government suddenly says that investigations are ongoing, and in a recent interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation's local Kinyarwanda-language service, Mrs. Ingabire said the would no longer talk to investigators.
1 June 2010
By Josh Kron
After promising a swift trial, the prosecution team in Rwanda now says that investigations into opposition figure Victoire Ingabire could take up to a year, blocking the politician from the 2010 presidential elections.
Ms Ingabire was arrested in April on charges of 'genocide ideology,' 'divisionism,' and colluding with an ethnic rebel group in the Congo, charges that if she is convicted of could bring her decades in prison.
More than a month later, the government suddenly says that investigations are ongoing, and in a recent interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation's local Kinyarwanda-language service, Mrs. Ingabire said the would no longer talk to investigators.
UN Rwanda court rapped for silence over jailed US lawyer.
AFP
1 June 2010
Two defence lawyers at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda on Tuesday criticised the UN court for staying silent over the arrest of one of its attorneys in Rwanda last week.
Peter Erlinder, a US lawyer who heads the tribunal's defence lawyers' association, was arrested last Friday on charges of denying the 1994 genocide after he had travelled to Kigali to defend an opposition figure facing similar accusations.
"To date it seems the ICTR has not raised the slightest protest against this arrest or demanded the immediate freedom of this lawyer who is on its list and who represents an accused person," said Arthur Vercken and Anta Guisse.
The two, who are defending a former senior official in Rwanda's interior ministry, Callixte Kalimanzira, charged with genocide, expressed fear of being targeted as well.
"This silence heightens worry by defence lawyers. Kalimanzira's team can no longer carry out its duties in peace and security."
"Indeed, Rwandan law includes in its definition of 'genocide ideology' assisting those accused of genocide, even in one's professional capacity," they said.
"That being the case, Mr. Kalimanzira's counsel can not under any circumstances take the risk of being treated the same way as Mr. Erlinder and/or risk being prosecuted by the Rwandan government or having arrest warrants issued for us," the two lawyers said.
They said Kalimanzira's counsel will not be able to assure his defence until the ICTR "forcibly reaffirms the principle of freedom of speech for its lawyers" and "until such time as charges against Mr. Erlinder in his professional capacity are dropped and the man himself set free".
The pair asked the Tanzania-based tribunal for an indefinite postponment of the hearing of their client's case due on June 14.
1 June 2010
Two defence lawyers at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda on Tuesday criticised the UN court for staying silent over the arrest of one of its attorneys in Rwanda last week.
Peter Erlinder, a US lawyer who heads the tribunal's defence lawyers' association, was arrested last Friday on charges of denying the 1994 genocide after he had travelled to Kigali to defend an opposition figure facing similar accusations.
"To date it seems the ICTR has not raised the slightest protest against this arrest or demanded the immediate freedom of this lawyer who is on its list and who represents an accused person," said Arthur Vercken and Anta Guisse.
The two, who are defending a former senior official in Rwanda's interior ministry, Callixte Kalimanzira, charged with genocide, expressed fear of being targeted as well.
"This silence heightens worry by defence lawyers. Kalimanzira's team can no longer carry out its duties in peace and security."
"Indeed, Rwandan law includes in its definition of 'genocide ideology' assisting those accused of genocide, even in one's professional capacity," they said.
"That being the case, Mr. Kalimanzira's counsel can not under any circumstances take the risk of being treated the same way as Mr. Erlinder and/or risk being prosecuted by the Rwandan government or having arrest warrants issued for us," the two lawyers said.
They said Kalimanzira's counsel will not be able to assure his defence until the ICTR "forcibly reaffirms the principle of freedom of speech for its lawyers" and "until such time as charges against Mr. Erlinder in his professional capacity are dropped and the man himself set free".
The pair asked the Tanzania-based tribunal for an indefinite postponment of the hearing of their client's case due on June 14.
Investigation into Mrs. Ingabire cases could take a year – prosecution.
Rwandan News Agency
31 May 2010
The National Prosecution Authority is locked in disagreement with opposition politician Ingabire Victoire over whether investigations into her charge-sheet should continue or the case is brought to court for a hearing. Ingabire has informed prosecution that she will no longer speak to investigators.
On Friday, the embattled head of the yet-to-be registered United Democratic Forces Inkingi party was summoned by prosecuting investigators. Ingabire was told to return on Monday for more interrogation to which she responded but also informed investigators that it would be the last time she is speaking.
“I will respond to any summons but will not say anything,” she told BBC Kinyarwanda service Monday evening.
Ingabire was charged April 22 in the Gasabo Intermediate Court sitting in Kabuga – some 25kilometers outside Kigali on three counts including negating the Tutsi Genocide, promoting ethnic divisionism and links to FDLR rebels.
The government was granted bail a day later with a 30-day period for investigations to continue. Prosecutor General Martin Ngoga said at the time that prosecutors had enough evidence and even demanded that court schedule the start of the hearing as soon as possible.
The following week saw three alleged accomplices to Ingabire brought to court. They were Lt. Col Noël Habiyaremye, Lt. Col Tharcisse Mbiturende and Capt Jean-Marie-Vianney Karuta.
However, with up to 40 days after, Prosecution said Monday that investigations are still ongoing, and Ingabire is furious.
“I will not say anything anymore…it seems to me this is a concerted ploy by government to block me from participating in the elections,” she said, also adding that the arrest of her lawyer Prof. Peter Erlinder was part of the reasons for her latest protest.
For Prosecution spokesmen Augustin Nkusi, investigating prosecutors are still acting within the law. He told the BBC Kinyarwanda service that the law prescribes up to a year for prosecutors to carry out investigations on a criminal offence.
“If she does not speak, the investigating prosecutor will write exactly that…and investigations will continue until there is sufficient evidence,” said Nkusi.
“The evidence is there but insufficient at the moment,” he pointed out.
Mr. Nkusi urged Ingabire to cooperate with investigators for her own interest.
Last week, President Kagame revealed to a Ugandan newspaper that of the ten counts on Ingabire’s charge-sheet, she had admitted to seven of them.
Ingabire accuses the authorities of making up the charges to block her presidential aspirations, and has indicated she could file her candidacy as an independent candidate.
31 May 2010
The National Prosecution Authority is locked in disagreement with opposition politician Ingabire Victoire over whether investigations into her charge-sheet should continue or the case is brought to court for a hearing. Ingabire has informed prosecution that she will no longer speak to investigators.
On Friday, the embattled head of the yet-to-be registered United Democratic Forces Inkingi party was summoned by prosecuting investigators. Ingabire was told to return on Monday for more interrogation to which she responded but also informed investigators that it would be the last time she is speaking.
“I will respond to any summons but will not say anything,” she told BBC Kinyarwanda service Monday evening.
Ingabire was charged April 22 in the Gasabo Intermediate Court sitting in Kabuga – some 25kilometers outside Kigali on three counts including negating the Tutsi Genocide, promoting ethnic divisionism and links to FDLR rebels.
The government was granted bail a day later with a 30-day period for investigations to continue. Prosecutor General Martin Ngoga said at the time that prosecutors had enough evidence and even demanded that court schedule the start of the hearing as soon as possible.
The following week saw three alleged accomplices to Ingabire brought to court. They were Lt. Col Noël Habiyaremye, Lt. Col Tharcisse Mbiturende and Capt Jean-Marie-Vianney Karuta.
However, with up to 40 days after, Prosecution said Monday that investigations are still ongoing, and Ingabire is furious.
“I will not say anything anymore…it seems to me this is a concerted ploy by government to block me from participating in the elections,” she said, also adding that the arrest of her lawyer Prof. Peter Erlinder was part of the reasons for her latest protest.
For Prosecution spokesmen Augustin Nkusi, investigating prosecutors are still acting within the law. He told the BBC Kinyarwanda service that the law prescribes up to a year for prosecutors to carry out investigations on a criminal offence.
“If she does not speak, the investigating prosecutor will write exactly that…and investigations will continue until there is sufficient evidence,” said Nkusi.
“The evidence is there but insufficient at the moment,” he pointed out.
Mr. Nkusi urged Ingabire to cooperate with investigators for her own interest.
Last week, President Kagame revealed to a Ugandan newspaper that of the ten counts on Ingabire’s charge-sheet, she had admitted to seven of them.
Ingabire accuses the authorities of making up the charges to block her presidential aspirations, and has indicated she could file her candidacy as an independent candidate.
Erlinder file complete – says Rwandan Police.
Rwandan News Agency
31 May 2010
The authorities and lawyers of detained American attorney Peter Erlinder are working on final details of when the case should come to court. But already, the family of the American professor is accusing the Police, RNA reports.
Sarah Erlinder, daughter of the arrested lawyer tells US media that the two attorneys who were allowed to visit her father on Saturday were denied access to him Sunday.
Calling it a troubling development, Sarah Erlinder, also an attorney, said the lawyers were barred from seeing her father a day after they had been granted a visit. Apparently, a Rwandan jail official "yelled" at jail employees who granted attorneys access on Saturday.
It seems that official could not be reached Saturday, Sarah Erlinder said, and could not block the visit. However, she said, the jail official was reachable Sunday -- and not very happy with the earlier visit. The official is not named.
Sarah Erlinder said the attorneys who visited her father -- one American and one Rwandan -- reported that he appeared to be in good health and in good spirits. That was a relief, she said, "because then we could concentrate on the larger issue of getting him out."
It is not clear if access to her father will continue to be blocked, she said.
Prof. Erlinder, 62, was in Rwanda to prepare for the defense of fierce government critic Victoire Ingabire against charges of promoting genocidal ideology and links to a terrorist group. He was arrested by the police Friday at 8:30am from the Laico Hotel.
A member of a lawyers' group calling for his release said Peter Erlinder may get a court date Monday.
Meanwhile, Police Spokesman Superintendent Eric Kayiranga told RNA Monday afternoon that the “file is complete”.
“There is work going on with his lawyers. So don’t worry you will be informed [of the hearing date],” he said.
Prosecution has not been available for comment.
31 May 2010
The authorities and lawyers of detained American attorney Peter Erlinder are working on final details of when the case should come to court. But already, the family of the American professor is accusing the Police, RNA reports.
Sarah Erlinder, daughter of the arrested lawyer tells US media that the two attorneys who were allowed to visit her father on Saturday were denied access to him Sunday.
Calling it a troubling development, Sarah Erlinder, also an attorney, said the lawyers were barred from seeing her father a day after they had been granted a visit. Apparently, a Rwandan jail official "yelled" at jail employees who granted attorneys access on Saturday.
It seems that official could not be reached Saturday, Sarah Erlinder said, and could not block the visit. However, she said, the jail official was reachable Sunday -- and not very happy with the earlier visit. The official is not named.
Sarah Erlinder said the attorneys who visited her father -- one American and one Rwandan -- reported that he appeared to be in good health and in good spirits. That was a relief, she said, "because then we could concentrate on the larger issue of getting him out."
It is not clear if access to her father will continue to be blocked, she said.
Prof. Erlinder, 62, was in Rwanda to prepare for the defense of fierce government critic Victoire Ingabire against charges of promoting genocidal ideology and links to a terrorist group. He was arrested by the police Friday at 8:30am from the Laico Hotel.
A member of a lawyers' group calling for his release said Peter Erlinder may get a court date Monday.
Meanwhile, Police Spokesman Superintendent Eric Kayiranga told RNA Monday afternoon that the “file is complete”.
“There is work going on with his lawyers. So don’t worry you will be informed [of the hearing date],” he said.
Prosecution has not been available for comment.
American lawyer hospitalised after intense 5 hours of interrogation.
Rwandan News Agency
1 June 2010
The embattled American attorney Prof. Peter Erlinder was taken to hospital Monday evening following hours of intense questioning by detectives, and there are even suspicions he may be poisoned. The Police fiercely dismissed the allegations saying there is nothing wrong with him, RNA reports.
Mr. Kurt Kerns, a fellow American lawyer who has taken up the case assisted by two Kenyan attorneys said the professor's jail stay appears to be aggravating his health conditions, including high blood pressure. The Kenyan attorneys Kennedy Ogetto and Gershom Otachi demanded the medical intervention on Erlinder's behalf.
Mr. Kerns has been barred from accompanying Erlinder during the interrogation. However, two Kenyan attorneys got credentials to practice in Rwanda and were representing him.
RNA can reveal that Mr. Kurt Kerns is one of the three lawyers with Prof. Erlinder who have filed a suit in US State of Oklahoma against President Kagame for the alleged assassination of the ex- Rwandan and Burundian presidents. Mr. Kerns is also the defense attorney of 83-year-old Genocide suspect Lazare Kobagaya, currently on trail on the state of Kansas.
"It's a Rwandan jail, there are mosquitoes, not enough blankets, overcrowded conditions," Kerns is quoted as saying Monday at about 11 p.m. in Rwanda.
Toward the end of the five hours, Erlinder said he was not feeling well and asked to see a doctor, sources narrated. He was transported to the high-end King Faisal hospital which is located in Kacyiru - within the same area as the CID headquarters where the Prof. is being held.
Police Spokesman Eric Kayiranga said Erlinder’s lawyers were allowed to take him to hospital, but said the doctors “did not find anything wrong with him."
Meanwhile Erlinder's wife, Masako Usui is quoted in US media as saying she is worried her husband could be killed in Rwanda. “I'm getting more and more angry," she said.
Usui said Erlinder has high cholesterol and is running out of medication. Some of Erlinder's allies in Rwanda have even warned her that the jailers may try to poison his food, according to her.
But Police Spokesman Kayiranga simply laughed off the allegations. “Who said Police makes people sick?” he asked.
“The doctors found there was nothing wrong with him….he was brought back for continued investigations,” he added.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota - Erlinder’s home state, said Monday that there's no indication Erlinder was jailed for any reason other than representing his client, the opposition politician Ingabire Victoire. Senator Klobuchar said she has expressed her concerns to the U.S. State Department.
"I know their focus is on his fair treatment and that the process moves fairly and quickly, so we're giving every [piece of] information to the highest levels of the embassy," Klobuchar told US media. "Our hope is that there will be some kind of hearing either today, tomorrow, or Wednesday, and hopefully he can be at least released out of jail."
But Klobuchar said she doesn't know whether Erlinder will be able to come home anytime soon, as he works his way through Rwanda's struggling judicial system.
The medical attention came on Erlinder's fourth day of detention in a Rwandan jail. Last Friday, authorities locked up the American criminal lawyer for allegedly spreading what are considered illegal views on the 1994 Tutsi Genocide.
As for when the case will come to court, Police Spokesman Kayiranga said simply “you will be informed”.
1 June 2010
The embattled American attorney Prof. Peter Erlinder was taken to hospital Monday evening following hours of intense questioning by detectives, and there are even suspicions he may be poisoned. The Police fiercely dismissed the allegations saying there is nothing wrong with him, RNA reports.
Mr. Kurt Kerns, a fellow American lawyer who has taken up the case assisted by two Kenyan attorneys said the professor's jail stay appears to be aggravating his health conditions, including high blood pressure. The Kenyan attorneys Kennedy Ogetto and Gershom Otachi demanded the medical intervention on Erlinder's behalf.
Mr. Kerns has been barred from accompanying Erlinder during the interrogation. However, two Kenyan attorneys got credentials to practice in Rwanda and were representing him.
RNA can reveal that Mr. Kurt Kerns is one of the three lawyers with Prof. Erlinder who have filed a suit in US State of Oklahoma against President Kagame for the alleged assassination of the ex- Rwandan and Burundian presidents. Mr. Kerns is also the defense attorney of 83-year-old Genocide suspect Lazare Kobagaya, currently on trail on the state of Kansas.
"It's a Rwandan jail, there are mosquitoes, not enough blankets, overcrowded conditions," Kerns is quoted as saying Monday at about 11 p.m. in Rwanda.
Toward the end of the five hours, Erlinder said he was not feeling well and asked to see a doctor, sources narrated. He was transported to the high-end King Faisal hospital which is located in Kacyiru - within the same area as the CID headquarters where the Prof. is being held.
Police Spokesman Eric Kayiranga said Erlinder’s lawyers were allowed to take him to hospital, but said the doctors “did not find anything wrong with him."
Meanwhile Erlinder's wife, Masako Usui is quoted in US media as saying she is worried her husband could be killed in Rwanda. “I'm getting more and more angry," she said.
Usui said Erlinder has high cholesterol and is running out of medication. Some of Erlinder's allies in Rwanda have even warned her that the jailers may try to poison his food, according to her.
But Police Spokesman Kayiranga simply laughed off the allegations. “Who said Police makes people sick?” he asked.
“The doctors found there was nothing wrong with him….he was brought back for continued investigations,” he added.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota - Erlinder’s home state, said Monday that there's no indication Erlinder was jailed for any reason other than representing his client, the opposition politician Ingabire Victoire. Senator Klobuchar said she has expressed her concerns to the U.S. State Department.
"I know their focus is on his fair treatment and that the process moves fairly and quickly, so we're giving every [piece of] information to the highest levels of the embassy," Klobuchar told US media. "Our hope is that there will be some kind of hearing either today, tomorrow, or Wednesday, and hopefully he can be at least released out of jail."
But Klobuchar said she doesn't know whether Erlinder will be able to come home anytime soon, as he works his way through Rwanda's struggling judicial system.
The medical attention came on Erlinder's fourth day of detention in a Rwandan jail. Last Friday, authorities locked up the American criminal lawyer for allegedly spreading what are considered illegal views on the 1994 Tutsi Genocide.
As for when the case will come to court, Police Spokesman Kayiranga said simply “you will be informed”.
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