Hotel Tech survivors seek justice

Members of a group that survived the killings at the Remera-based Hotel Tech, formerly Total, during the 1994 Genocide have reported the matter to concerned authorities to make sure that the suspects are brought to justice.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Members of a group that survived the killings at the Remera-based Hotel Tech, formerly Total, during the 1994 Genocide have reported the matter to concerned authorities to make sure that the suspects are brought to justice.

Speaking to The New Times, yesterday, Javier Forongo, the Executive Secretary of the umbrella of Genocide survivors, IBUKA said that five members of the group that survived the heinous killings have filed their case with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigations.

"We helped the survivors to file the case to the police (CID) for thorough investigations to bring to justice all the criminals that were involved in the killings at the hotel,” Forongo said in a telephone interview.

Among those accused of the massacre at the hotel is Theodose Barakengera, the owner of the premises who is said to be in the USA.

Barakengera together with other Ex-Interahamwe militias, are reported to have drawn Tutsis from the nearby catholic centre, Centre Christus and killed them  with grenades.

Remains of about 15 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi were recovered at the hotel recently. They had been buried in pits underneath the sauna and ladies' bathrooms of the hotel.

The remains exhumed early this month followed a two-month investigation.

Reports indicate that the owner’s wife, Rose Mukanyangezi flew into the country from the US to sell the property, which is located along Airport Road.

However, Forongo noted that Ibuka will not let the property be sold until the matter is resolved.

 "We cannot let the woman sell the premises because the owner is a Genocide suspect. These premises will be part of the compensation package for the survivors if court proves so,” he added.

 "Currently, we cannot say that she (Mukanyangezi) is connected to the killings at the hotel, but investigations are still ongoing to bring to justice all those responsible,” he explained.

Police Spokesperson, Supt. Theos Badege said that those responsible will appear in court. 

"We are putting together all the information. It’s a matter of time before we bring all those responsible to justice,” Badege said.

"The law is clear. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Genocide victims and refuses to voluntarily provide the information will be charged as the law stipulates,” Badege added.

Ends