Drama at ex-Rwanda leader's trial

The trial is viewed as a test of the independence of Rwanda's judiciary

Drama unfolded at the trial of former Rwandan president Pasteur Bizimungu after a witness confessed recording statements under police duress.

Oben Nsegiyumva had earlier told investigators that he had attended secret meetings in 2002 organised by the former leader.

But when questioned by Mr Bizimungu he said he could not remember statements he had made to the police.

The former president is charged with threatening state security.

Mr Bizimungu was detained two years ago after attempting to form his own political party the Democratic Renewal Party (PDR) which the Rwandan government said promoted ethnic divisions.

'Political prisoner'

The BBC's Robert Walker in Kigali says remarks by the witness caused shock discussions in court forcing the judge to threaten to jail for 24 hours those guilty of further disturbances.

Later in the day, Mr Nsegiyumva was recalled by the judge, but he could not be found.

Another witness also contradicted her statement earlier made to the police that she attended a meeting of the PDR party at a church in Mr Bizimungu's home village In north-west Rwanda.

Mr Bizimungu who is directing his defence produced a map that showed there was no church in the village.

Correspondents say the case against the former leader is a key test of the independence the Rwandan judiciary.

Critics of the government say Mr Bizimungu, one of the few longstanding Hutus members of the Tutsi-dominated Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) resigned as president four years ago after differences with the government.

The former transport minister Charles Ntakirutinka and six others are also facing the same charges.