Alfred Musema was born on 22.8.1949 in Rutare commune, Byumba prefecture.At the time of events refered to in the indictment he was the Director of Gisovu Tea Factory in Kibuye prefecture.He was arrested in Switzerland on 11.2.1995 and later transfered to Arusha on 20.5.1997.

The Prosecutor filed an indictment on 12.7.1996 and it was confirmed on 15.7.1996 by Judge Yakov A. Ostrovsky. The initial appearance was held on 18.11.1997 whereby the accused pleaded not guilty to all counts. However on the same day the Judges of the trial Chamber having noted the behaviour of the defence counsel failing to attend sessions before the Tribunal even after the Trial Chambers warning the Chamber dismissed her as a defence cuunsel and instructed the Registrar to assign a new counsel to Alfred Musema.