Mugesera is Now in Rwanda

Leon Mugesera has been returned to Rwanda where he can be expected to stand trial for incitement to genocide. His final procedural gasps succeeded on very temporarily in resisting transfer from Canada.
This is the third important recent development regarding transfer or return of genocide suspects to Rwanda to stand trial. In earlier postings on this blog, reference has been made to recent rulings of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and of the European Court of Human Rights, both of them favourable to such transfers.
Now, Rwanda faces a great challenge. It must ensure that the accused persons receive fair trials.
Great efforts have gone into building a justice system in Rwanda that is capable of ensuring this. Compared with the justice system I saw when I first visited Rwanda in January 1993, the progress is absolutely incredible. But that doesn't make the challenge any less daunting at this point.
If Rwanda succeeds, it will represent a very important milestone in the delivery of justice and in the struggle against impunity. It needs all of the support and encouragement we can provide at this point.