The Prosecution has renewed its call for a life sentence against Béatrice Munyenyezi, urging the court to uphold the ruling previously delivered by the High Court Chamber for International and Cross-Border Crimes in Huye.
During the appeal hearing, prosecutors strongly challenged the credibility of defense witnesses, arguing that some were biased or provided unreliable testimony.
They pointed in particular to Marcelline Mukantegeye, alleging she contradicted earlier statements made by her sibling that had implicated Munyenyezi—suggesting her change of position may have been influenced by family pressure.
The Prosecution also dismissed testimony from Hussein Minani, saying his account was inconsistent and lacked credibility, as he was allegedly not present at the locations where the events he described took place.
In response, defense counsel Me Félicien Gashema questioned how Minani could have been convicted for crimes in areas where the Prosecution claims he was absent. The presiding judge noted that the matter will be assessed in the court’s final determination.
Prosecutors further relied on testimonies from other witnesses, including Pelagie Dusabe, arguing that they reinforce Munyenyezi’s alleged involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
They also highlighted inconsistencies in the testimony of teacher Ntasoni Janvier regarding Munyenyezi’s schooling at CEFOTEC, raising doubts over the reliability of parts of the defense case.
Additionally, the Prosecution referenced Munyenyezi’s earlier testimony before the Arusha-based tribunal in the case of her husband, Arsène Shalom Ntahobari, where she claimed no knowledge of killings at the Ihuriro Hotel roadblock—despite evidence that many Tutsis were murdered there.
The Prosecution maintains that the appeal lacks merit and is seeking confirmation of the life sentence previously imposed.
Munyenyezi, however, continues to plead not guilty, maintaining that she did not commit the crimes she is accused of.
The panel of judges announced that the verdict will be delivered in July 2026, a decision that will determine whether the life sentence is upheld or revised.
