Eugene Rwamucyo, a former Rwandan doctor, went on trial in France on Tuesday, accused of participating in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi population in Rwanda. The 65-year-old is charged with genocide, complicity in genocide, crimes against humanity, and conspiring to commit these crimes. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
Prosecutors allege that Rwamucyo, who practised medicine in France and Belgium after fleeing Rwanda, played a significant role in spreading anti-Tutsi propaganda and participated in mass murders. He is also accused of aiding in the burial of genocide victims in mass graves to conceal the atrocities.
Rwamucyo has denied the accusations, with his lawyer arguing that his actions during the genocide were driven by a desire to prevent a health crisis. His trial is the eighth in France related to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, which claimed the lives of around 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis.
The trial, expected to run until October 29, will include testimonies from approximately 60 witnesses. Rwamucyo is the second former doctor to stand trial in France for involvement in the Rwandan genocide. In December 2023, another doctor, Sosthene Munyemana, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for his role in the massacre.