RUSIZI - Eight judges of Nkanka Gacaca Appeal Court in Rusizi District have been arrested and detained at Kamembe Police Post over alleged corruption. Police alleges that the suspects were arrested for soliciting a bribe of Rwf800,000 from various people in Nkanka sector, who wanted to secure not guilty verdicts for their relatives. The judges were identified as Anne Marie Twagiramariya, the court president, Gratien Bazasangwa, Appolinaire Renzaho, Placide Ngoboka, Therese Mukamugema, Jacques Habiyambere, David Munyankindi and Mariam Nyirarugendo.Sources said the traditional judges would solicit bribes but go ahead and convict the suspects. This, the sources said, prompted those who had paid the bribe to alert police. Understandably, hearing of pending cases will be halted at the Appeal Court because the court is normally made up of a panel of seven judges. Emmanuel Hagenimana, the Nkanka sector court president said that the group will be replaced by the reserve judges with immediate effect. He condemned the act and pointed out that even if the suspects are released; they will be dismissed from their work. Canisius Karangwa, the president of IBUKA, an association of Genocide survivors in the area, alleges that there are several suspects who were acquitted of Genocide crimes after bribing the arrested judges, and called upon the government to revisit the cases. They face five years imprisonment if convicted. Ends
