Bishop held on genocide charges

The Catholic bishop of Gikongoro prefecture, Augustin Misago, was arrested on Wednesday night in connection with genocide crimes, the independent Hirondelle news agency reported. It pointed out this is the first time in Rwanda's history that a bishop has been detained. The bishop was travelling to attend a meeting in Kigali, when his vehicle was intercepted by the military. He is being held at the Muhima military prison in Kigali. Misago was publicly accused by President Pasteur Bizimungu during a memorial service for genocide victims in Kibeho, Gikongoro prefecture, on 7 April. He said the bishop was "not above the law", and asked how long would the Catholic church "continue to ignore accusations by Christians" against Misago. Genocide survivors accuse the 56-year-old bishop of "personally organising meetings of killers in Kibeho". Among the allegations against him are responsibility for the disappearance of 30 girls who sought his protection during the genocide, and the massacre of 22 clerics. Rwandan radio quoted the Kigali state prosecutor, Emmanuel Rukangira, as saying Misago would be tried in either Kigali or Gikongoro on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity. Justice Minister Jean de Dieu Mucyo added that Misago's arrest meant "his colleagues could be detained anytime in the future". According to Hirondelle, Rwandan bishops who met in Kigali on Wednesday, called on Christians to "pray for this pastor, and for the Church in Rwanda, so that it remains unshakable in its faith". The missionary news agency MISNA, meanwhile, on Thursday said Misago was the victim of a "judicial system whose aim is to tarnish the image of the Catholic church". MISNA claimed a "witchhunt" was underway. It said Misago had written an open letter protesting his innocence.