THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A former Rwandan government minister convicted at a United Nations tribunal of inciting and aiding genocide is arguing that his case is being unfairly delayed because one of the judges involved has been detained by Turkish authorities.

Augustin Ngirabatware, who served as planning minister in Rwanda, is seeking review of his conviction and 30-year prison sentence. At a hearing Tuesday, his lawyer, Peter Robinson, argued that Ngirabatware should be released from custody until Turkish judge Aydin Sefa Akay is freed to take part in the case.

Akay was detained last year by Turkish authorities in the aftermath of the country's failed July 15 coup attempt.

Ankara has launched a sweeping purge of perceived followers of U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who denies the government's claim he masterminded the coup attempt.