(24 Apr 1998) French/Eng/Rus/Nat
Thousands of Rwandans gathered around the country Friday to watch firing squads execute 22 people convicted of playing major roles in the genocide of 1994.
The enforcement of the death penalty has been condemned by human rights groups, the European Union and the United Nations.
But in Rwanda there is a sense that those convicted must face retribution.
This prison chain gang contains men convicted of the worst found crimes imaginable - the mass slaughter of men, women and children.
The genocide four years ago in this central African country claimed the lives of more than 500-thousand people.
Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in a three-month genocide plotted by the former Hutu extremist government.
Of the over a hundred thousand people awaiting trial for their part in the killings, 330 have been tried in Rwanda.
Around half have been sentenced to death.
And on Friday, Rwandan leaders had dismissed last-minute pleas for clemency, including an appeal from Pope John Paul II and carried out the execution by firing squad of 22.
Despite the condemnation of the United Nations and human rights groups - many in Rwanda feel it is right that those found guilty should face the ultimate punishment.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Those people (points at skulls) - all of them they had their families. And now all families have lost their spirit. Those orphans (who've been left behind) don't have someone who can take care of them. The widows, they have their own rights."
SUPER CAPTION: Charles Rutaysire, Genocide survivor
Some of the executions took place here at Nyamata, 30 kilometers (20 miles) south of Kigali.
It was the site of a massacre in which thousands were butchered.
The town's Roman Catholic church is also the memorial for those who died.
And for many the tombs beneath are a final resting place.
SOUNDBITE: (French)
"To build we have to punish. Impunity has driven this country to catastrophe. Impunity has driven this country to genocide. We must attack the problem without fear."
SUPER CAPTION: Eugene Barikana, Regional Sub Prefect
There was concern abroad that there had not been due process of the law in bringing the case - claims this prosecutor denies.
He believes that a failure to prosecute those responsible for genocide would see the culture of violence continue.
SOUNDBITE: (French)
"The majority of the population believe that if there were some people made to take responsibility for past genocides, I think it would have stopped the massacres which have characterised this country for years. Everyone must respect human rights."
SUPER CAPTION: Gatambiye Sylere, Prosecutor in genocide case
Friday's executions are only the beginning of a lengthy process to bring those responsible for the genocide to be brought to justice.
For victims' families public executions are seen as some retribution at last - and appeals for clemency are likely to fall on deaf ears.
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