Laurent Bucyibaruta, the former prefect of Gikongoro, is currently on trial before the Paris Court of Assize for his alleged involvement in genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, and other related crimes. Bucyibaruta has attempted to use his Tutsi wife as a defense, claiming that her ethnicity made it impossible for him to have participated in the killings during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
This argument, however, is not unique to Bucyibaruta. Other genocide suspects have similarly tried to shield themselves behind their relationships with Tutsi family members. Claude Muhayimana, who faced the same court last year on charges of complicity in genocide, made a similar claim but was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Pascal Simbikangwa, another suspect, argued that his Tutsi mother exempted him from involvement in the genocide. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
The Lawyers’ Counterarguments
During the trial, lawyers for the civil parties reminded the court that Bucyibaruta’s wife was in Kibungo Prefecture, in the far east of Rwanda, at the start of the genocide. Bucyibaruta was able to bring her back to Gikongoro, in the west, without hindrance. This, they argued, demonstrated his significant power and influence, which he failed to use to protect other Tutsi if he had intended to do so.
Similar arguments were made during Muhayimana’s trial. Despite claiming he was threatened because of his Tutsi wife, Muhayimana was able to travel freely across Kibuye and Ruhengeri during the genocide, transporting militias in his vehicle. Yet, he maintained that he lacked the power to save any Tutsi.
Trial Proceedings
Bucyibaruta’s trial began on May 9, 2022, and is expected to conclude on July 12, 2022. The prosecution has requested a life sentence for Bucyibaruta, citing the gravity of the charges against him.
