The trial of Philippe Hategekimana, a naturalised French citizen in 2005 under the name of Philippe Manier, began on Wednesday in Paris. The charges against him include “genocide, crimes against humanity, and participation in an agreement” for the preparation of these crimes. The accused identified himself as Philippe Manier when asked by the president of the assize court, Jean-Marc Lavergne.
Philippe Manier, 66, was a chief warrant officer at the gendarmerie in Nyanza, in the prefecture of Butare, in southern Rwanda. He is suspected of being involved in the murder of dozens of Tutsi, including the burgomaster of Ntyazo, Narcisse Nyagasaka, who was resisting the execution of the genocide in his commune. He is also linked to the deaths of “Maman Augustine,” a nun, Father Mathieu, and three hundred Tutsi refugees on the hill of Nyamugari. These events occurred between April and July 1994.
According to the prosecution, Philippe Manier, who disputes the charges, is also suspected of ordering the erection of roadblocks “intended to control and assassinate Tutsi civilians”. The complainants accuse Philippe Hategekimana of playing an important role in the genocide of the Tutsi. He allegedly used his powers and military force to participate as an actor, co-perpetrator, and accomplice in the genocide. He actively participated in the “organisation of the exterminations in Nyanza and in the surrounding villages”.
Forty civil parties, including the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), the International League against Racism and Anti-Semitism (Licra), and survivors or relatives of victims, have joined forces in this case. The trial is scheduled until June 30 and is the fourth in France in connection with the “crime of crimes” committed in Rwanda in the spring of 1994.
Philippe Manier faces life imprisonment if found guilty of the charges.
