Former Rwandan doctor, university administrator, and lecturer at the University of Rwanda, Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo, is set to appear before the Paris Court of Appeal from June 9 to July 16, 2026.
The 67-year-old is appealing a 27-year prison sentence handed down in October 2024, after being convicted of genocide, complicity in genocide, and crimes against humanity during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
His trial comes nearly two years after the Paris Criminal Court convicted him of multiple crimes linked to killings in the former Butare Prefecture. Nine jurors and three professional judges, including the court president, will oversee the appeal.
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Background of the Case
Rwamucyo’s legal troubles date back to 2009, when a Gacaca court in Ngoma sentenced him in absentia to life imprisonment for his role in supporting killing groups and committing sexual violence.
After fleeing to France, he worked as a doctor until authorities discovered his past, leading to his arrest in 2010.
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Allegations and Court Proceedings
In the original trial, witnesses accused him of encouraging attacks on Tutsi civilians. Rwamucyo admitted to ordering burials of genocide victims, claiming it was for public health reasons, and denied involvement in killing or planning attacks. Both his defense and the prosecution appealed the 2024 sentence.
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Upcoming Appeal Process
The appeal will hear testimony from 69 witnesses, with Rwamucyo now represented by a new team of seven lawyers.
