PRESS RELEASE: ADC-ICT Expresses Concern at Death of Mr. Tharcisse Muvenyi in Niger

THE HAGUE – The Association of Defence Counsel practising before the International Courts and Tribunals (ADC-ICT) expresses its sadness and profound concern at the death of one of the eight men detained in Niger, Mr Tharcisse Muvunyi.

Mr Muvunyi died during the night of 9 June 2023, in the house in which he and the other former ICTR defendants have been illegally detained since December 2021.

The conditions of their illegal detention places the remaining seven men in an extremely precarious position in terms of their physical and mental well-being. Their prolonged detention is without any legal basis and must be brought to an end.

Following the completion of sentences or acquittals, former defendants before international courts are entitled to live the remainder of their lives with dignity, together with the families from whom they have been separated. In this regard, the international community has failed these men. The ADC-ICT reiterates that States’ support for international criminal justice cannot be selective, and directed only towards those aspects that seek convictions and sentences.

The re-incarceration of the ICTR released and acquitted persons is a stain on the legacy of the Tribunal, and a daily reminder that selective State cooperation continues to undermine the project of international criminal justice. The ADC-ICT again strenuously urges States to provide these ICTR released and acquitted persons with residency outside of Niger.

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The ADC-ICT is an independent professional association which represents all defence counsel practicing the IRMCT, and formerly before the ICTY. The ADC-ICT works to promote and protect the interests of defence counsel and their clients and ensure the proper function of defence is respected in proceedings before international courts and tribunals. Further information is available at: www.adc-ict.org