Rwandan Doctor Sentenced to 27 Years for Role in 1994 Genocide

On Wednesday, October 30th, a Paris court sentenced former Rwandan doctor Eugène Rwamucyo to 27 years in prison for his role in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, marking the eighth genocide-related trial held in France. Rwamucyo, 65, was found guilty of complicity in genocide, complicity in crimes against humanity, and conspiracy to incite violence and conceal mass killings. However, he was acquitted on charges of direct involvement in genocide and crimes against humanity.

Rwamucyo has consistently denied wrongdoing throughout the proceedings. “I assure you that I did not order the killing of the survivors nor did I allow them to be killed,” he told the court. His defense team argued that his role in mass burials was a public health necessity rather than an act of complicity in the genocide, stating that his involvement stemmed from a desire to prevent a “health crisis.”

The trial recounted the brutal events that took place in Rwanda’s Butare region, where thousands lost their lives during the 100-day massacre. At the time, Rwamucyo was practicing medicine and was accused of spreading anti-Tutsi propaganda and helping cover up evidence of mass killings by overseeing burials. Prosecution lawyer Nicolas Peron argued that Rwamucyo’s actions played a significant role in fueling violence, stating, “One can kill with words.” Prosecutors initially requested a 30-year sentence, while survivor groups pushed for a life sentence.

Angélique Uwamahoro, a witness and genocide survivor, testified that she encountered Rwamucyo at a roadblock in Butare, where she alleges he incited militiamen to continue the killings. “He wanted to incite them to kill us so we don’t get out alive,” Uwamahoro said. Her testimony and that of other survivors painted a grim picture of the atrocities committed in Butare, adding emotional weight to the trial.

Rwamucyo’s defense team revealed plans to appeal, asserting that he is unfairly targeted for opposing Rwanda’s current government. His legal troubles began years earlier when a Rwandan court sentenced him to life imprisonment in absentia in 2009, although France rejected an extradition request.