Prison boosts security for war crimes suspect beaten in custody

Quebec Superior Court has ruled that criminal proceedings against genocide suspect Dsir Munyaneza won't resume until Wednesday to allow the Rwandan man time to heal after a vicious prison beating.

Munyaneza, 40, is recovering from head injuries and facial lacerations after he was attacked five days ago in his cell at the Rivires-des-Prairies detention centre in Montreal's east end,where he's been held during his court proceedings on war crimes charges related to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Prison director Yves Sainte-Marie said Monday he regretted the attack, which happened after a 17-year-old prisoner was transferred to Munyaneza's cell quarters.

Sainte-Marie said the institution has taken steps to increase security for Munyaneza, who will now be isolated in his cell, during all prison activities and when he is transferred to and from the Montreal courthouse.

Munyaneza may not be ready to resume the gruelling court proceedings this week, his lawyers said. His swollen eyes appear to be healing and were open Monday morning, but his Toronto-based defence lawyer, Laurence Cohen, said his client needs more time to recover from his injuries.

Munyaneza has been meeting with provincial police to determine whether charges will be laid.

The former Rwandan professor is on trial for his alleged role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. He's accused of ordering and participating in multiple rapes and murders during the 100-day massacre and faces a possible life sentence on seven charges, including genocide and crimes against humanity.

His landmark trial the first in Canada under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, enacted in 2000 was postponed to give him time to recover from his wounds.

Munyaneza's lawyers told court last week the trial should only resume if their client is physically capable of enduring the courtroom procedures.

The morning after the attack, Munyaneza showed up in court in a wheelchair, eyes swollen shut, with an angry-looking laceration snaking down his face.

Judge Andr Denis, who is trying Munyaneza's case, called the incident "intolerable," while defence lawyers described the attack as a stain on Canada's judicial system.

Munyaneza came to Canada in 1997 and filed a refugee claim, which was rejected three years later.The RCMP arrested himin October 2005 in Toronto, where he had been living with his wife and children.