France arrests Rwandan over Congo atrocities

French police on Monday arrested a Rwandan believed to be a leader of a movement involved in a recent terror campaign in Congos Kivu region in which thousands of civilians have been killed and raped.

Armed with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court in The Hague,the police detained Callixte Mbarushimana,47,shortly after dawn at his home in Paris,a court official said. He is wanted on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity,according to a statement from the court.

Mbarushimanas activities had been tracked for more than 18 months in several countries including France,Germany,Congo and Rwanda.

Mbarushimana,who has the status of political refugee and has lived in France for several years,was to appear later before a local prosecutor. A court must then decide on his transfer to the international court in The Hague. The process could take several days or more,as the decision can be appealed.