UN Mechanism orders investigations on the death of the detained Rwanda Genocide suspect, Félicien Kabuga
Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, ordered thorough investigations on the circumstances surrounding the death of the accused, Félicien Kabuga.
Black News 
The United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals has launched investigations on the sudden death of the Rwanda Genocide detainee, Félicien Kabuga.
The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, ordered thorough investigations on the circumstances surrounding the death of the accused, Félicien Kabuga.
Judge Santana noted that Félicien Kabuga was detained at the United Nations Detention Unit (UNDU) at The Hague, in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The deceased was being charged of genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, as well as persecution, extermination, and murder as crimes against humanity.
Kabuga’s latest matter has been filed under Case Number: MICT-13-38 dated on 16 May 2026, in which the President of The Mechanism issued an order to the Prosecutor Abubacarr M. Tambadou to assign a judge to conduct an inquiry.
“I, Graciela Gatti Santana, President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal recalling that, on 8 September 2023, the proceedings against Kabuga were indefinitely stayed following the affirmation of the Trial Chamber’s decision that he was not fit to stand trial and very unlikely to regain fitness in the future …”
“… Noting that the Registrar of the Mechanism (Registrar) informed me today (May 16, 2026) that Kabuga passed away earlier while in the custody of the United Nations Detention Unit …”
“… Considering that, pursuant to Rules 50(3) of the Rules of Detention, the President may order an internal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of any detainee …”
“… I hereby assign Judge Alphons Orie to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Kabuga while in the custody of the United Nations Detention Unit (UNDU) and to report the findings of that inquiry to me directly as soon as is reasonably possible.”
The President of the Mechanism also requested the Registrar to provide any assistance that is required by Judge Orie for completing the said inquiry.
