News
Rwandan on Trial for Anti-Tutsi Music2006-09-11United Press InternationalA prominent Rwandan composer, musician and radio station owner is going on trial for inciting Hutus to kill Tutsis from 1990-94. The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda will put Simon Bikindi on trial for composing, singing and distributing music that encouraged Hutus to commit genocide, The Independent reported. The court was set up by the United Nations to try instigators. Between 1990 and 1994, Simon Bikindi composed, sang, recorded or distributed musical works extolling Hutu solidarity and accusing Tutsis of enslaving Hutus, the indictment said. Bikindi was the most widely known musician in Rwanda and also founded RTLM radio station, which broadcast propaganda. Bikindi is also accused of helping to plan attacks. Bikindi denies the charges. His attorney, Wilfred Nderitu, told The Independent Bikindi's songs are innocent. To accuse him is to deny him his right of expression. During three months in 1994, more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed. So far 25 people have been convicted of genocide.
Channel: USHMM: International Law
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