Genocide of the Tutsis: the former Rwandan prefect Laurent Bucyibaruta sentenced to 20 years in prison
This court sketch shows Laurent Buciybaruta at the opening of his trial, in Paris, on May 9, 2022. He is accused of complicity in the genocide in Rwanda.
AFP - BENOIT PEYRUCQ
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
More than 28 years after the extermination of Tutsis in Rwanda, the former Rwandan prefect was sentenced on Tuesday, July 12 by the Paris Assize Court to twenty years in prison for complicity in genocide.
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Laurent Bucyibaruta, 78, was acquitted as a perpetrator of genocide, but found guilty as an accomplice to genocide and crimes against humanity for four massacres.
The prosecution had requested life imprisonment on Friday.
His defense pleaded Monday for acquittal, calling on the Paris Assize Court to "
choose courage
".
In his last words to the magistrates and jurors
before they retired to deliberate, the former senior official wanted to address "the survivors of the genocide".
“
I would like to tell them that it never occurred to me to abandon them to the killers
,” declared Laurent Bucyibaruta, beige jacket over sky blue shirt, surgical mask under his chin.
“
Is it for lack of courage?
Could I save them?
These are questions, even remorse that have haunted me for more than 28 years
, ”continued the accused, who has lived in France since 1997 and appears free at the hearing.
Laurent Bucyibaruta has been on trial since May 9 for genocide, complicity in genocide and complicity in crimes against humanity, charges he has always disputed.
More information to come
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