In this April 6, 2004 file photo, Apollan Odetta, a survivor from the 1994 Rwandan Genocide light candles at a mass grave in Nyamata, Rwanda. T. AP FILE PHOTO
PARIS, France鈥擜 former Rwandan intelligence chief says his innocence 鈥渘eeds no more proof鈥� as arguments concluded in France鈥檚 first trial over Rwanda鈥檚 genocide.
After five-and-a-half weeks of hearings, the jury retired to discuss charges of complicity in genocide and war crimes against 54-year-old Pascal Simbikangwa over the 1994 genocide that left at least 500,000 dead, mostly ethnic Tutsis. A verdict was expected later Friday.
In 15-minute final remarks, the disabled former high-ranking government official insisted he never saw dead bodies, appealed to the jury鈥檚 鈥渃onscience鈥� and asked for a prayer for Tutsis and Hutus who died.
France鈥攁 former colonial power in Africa which had strong ties to the Hutu government鈥攈as faced accusations of acting too slowly to bring those behind the genocide to justice.