Rwandan war criminals to do time there

KIGALI, Rwanda, March 5 (UPI) -- A new agreement allows those convicted abroad of participating in the Rwandan genocide to be transferred to Rwanda to complete their sentences.

Charles Murigande, the Rwandan foreign minister, told The New Times, a Kigali newspaper, that the government hopes having the prisoners in Rwanda will show that those who commit crimes against humanity must pay a price.

In 1994, Hutu militias killed thousands of Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Those convicted are now imprisoned in Mali, including former Prime Minister Jean Kambanda, and Italy.

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, based in Tanzania, was established 14 years ago. The United Nations plans to allow the tribunal to expire in December.

Adama Dieng, the chief registrar of the tribunal, said that bringing the convicts back to Rwanda and having them settle there once they finish their sentences would aid Rwandan reconciliation.