The Rwandan Gen. Karenzi Karake was yesterday set free by the UK Court on technicalities not substance.

Gen.-karenzi-Karake

Gen. Karake was accused of orchestrating massacres in the tiny central African country Rwanda during and after genocide. He is also accused of ordering the killing of Spanish nationals, indeed the arrest warrants of other 48 Rwandan Security officers were issued by the Spanish Judge not only for the Spanish nationals but for other war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Great Lakes Human Rights Link is disappointed with the decision of the court but we shall continue to show case and evidence to the international community until justice is done for the Rwandan and Spanish nationals who were murdered in cold blood by the RPF Security Officers.

According to the UK Court, extraditing General Karenzi Karake would be incompatible with UK Law because war crimes are not part of the pact of the European agreement on Extradition.

Accordingly, the judge ruled that the Rwandan General could be allowed to fly back to Rwanda within 48 hours. The Great Lakes Human Rights Link is seriously concerned that this is not only a miscarriage of Justice but also giving impunity a fertile ground in the Great Lakes Region. The ruling by Senior District Judge Riddle, sitting at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, led to angry scenes outside the Rwandan Embassy in London. A group of protesters hurled eggs at the building and had to be held back by a line of police officers.

Under the UK Extradition Act 2003, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had to demonstrate that General Karake could be tried in the UK for his alleged crimes in order for his extradition to be allowed. It is understood that this was not possible, as he is not a British national and the alleged massacres did not take place on British soil.

A spokesperson for the CPS said: “This was a complex case and we have worked swiftly to consider the UK law against the conduct alleged by the Spanish authorities in the European Arrest Warrant.

“After careful consideration we do not believe an extradition offence can be established under UK law. The main reason is that the relevant laws on the conduct alleged in this case do not cover the acts of non-UK nationals or residents abroad.

“We felt it important to bring our findings to the attention of the District Judge as soon as possible in order to allow him to make a decision ahead of the full hearing scheduled for September.” However, the Great Lakes Human Rights Link with its partners shall continue to seek justice for Rwandans in particular and humanity in General.

Noble Marara

Executive Secretary

Great Lakes Human Rights Link.

http://www.greatlakeshumanrightslink.com/karenzi-karake-rwandan-spy-chief-case-unfinished-business/