Bandora charged, wants two months to prepare defence

Charles Bandora, the first Genocide suspect to be extradited to Rwanda, made his debut appearance in Nyarugenge Intermediate Court, yesterday morning, to formally hear the charges against him.During his appearance, Judge John Byakatonda read out the suspect’s profile and asked him if he was ready to stand trial. He, however, asked the Judge to give him two months to prepare his defence.“As you see, I don’t have a lawyer and these are serious charges,” Bandora told the court. “I need two months to get a lawyer and prepare my defence.”Following his prayer, Judge John Byakatonda said the court would pronounce its decision today afternoon.Prosecutor Ndibwami Rugamba said Bandora faces six charges related to the Genocide against the Tutsi.ChargesRugamba said Bandora is charged with genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide , torture and extermination as a crime against humanity, planning and preparing the Genocide, treason and inciting hatred among people.A former businessman, Bandora, 60, is accused of organising and participating in the Genocide, particularly the killings of hundreds who had taken refuge at Ruhuha Church in the former Ngenda Commune, currently Bugesera District.At the time, he was a businessman and the vice-president of the MRND, the party well known for having conceptualised and implemented the Genocide that left over a million people dead in just 100 days.After the pre-trial, Bandora will be tried in substance in the Special Chamber of the High Court basing on the Transfer Law.The chamber was created to try cases referred to Rwanda from the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and other jurisdictions.

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Bandora charged, wants two months to prepare defence