A Catholic bishop has been cleared on all charges of having organised and participated in the 1994 Rwandan genocide at the end of a controversial nine-month trial.
Bishop Augustin Misago (57) was still dressed in his pink prisoner's uniform when he walked free from a courtroom in the capital, Kigali, yesterday. Leaning on a walking stick, he said he was "very happy" with the verdict, which had "uncovered the truth". He added that he would be remaining in Rwanda.
State prosecutors had demanded that Bishop Misago face the death penalty but Judge Jaliere Rutaremara dismissed all charges in a detailed 90-minute judgment. The bishop had acted to save those in his protection - including a group of priests and schoolchildren who were later killed - instead of plotting to have them killed, the judge said.
The court had heard extensive and often sharply contradictory evidence regarding the bishop's role during spring and summer 1994, when Hutu extremists massacred at least 500,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Judge Rutaremara said there was "nothing palpable" to support the allegation that the bishop ordered the massacre of 90 Tutsi schoolchildren. "If he wanted them killed he could have told the soldiers that surrounded the school at any point. Instead, he said nothing."
Another charge related to the murder of three Catholic priests who had been hiding in the diocesan compound. Bish op Misago had done his best to save their lives, including the payment of a 500,000 francs (about £900) bribe, the judge said, but in the end was unable to prevent their arrest and murder.
He agreed that Bishop Misago had met government officials who later organised massacres, but said the evidence suggested the purpose was to distribute food aid. Where there was evidence against Bishop Misago, it was contradictory and often based on hearsay, the judge said, dismissing prosecution claims for damages of one million Rwandan francs (about £1,800).
There were scenes of jubilation afterwards as supporters flocked to congratulate the bishop, who has been in Kigali's notoriously overcrowded central prison for the last 14 months. He emotionally embraced the Papal Nuncio to Rwanda, Mgr Salvatore Pennacchio, and the Archbishop of Kigali, Dr Thadee Ntih inyurwa. "It is for the glory of our coun try that justice has been served," Arch bishop Ntihinyurwa said, adding that Bishop Misago would now return to his duties as Bishop of Gikongoro.
The prosecuting lawyer, Mr Francois Rwanga, said: "I am not disappointed at the verdict, I am revolted." Genocide survivors said the verdict was a blow for justice in Rwanda.
The trial has been highly controversial since Bishop Misago was arrested in April 1999, one week after the then president, Mr Pasteur Bizimungu, publicly accused him of being involved in the genocide, drawing sharp criticism from Pope John Paul II. However, Mr Bizimungu resigned in controversial circumstances earlier this year and yesterday Catholic representatives said their fears of political interference had been vanquished.