Me André-Martin Karongozi, representing some of the civil parties seeking compensation, has urged the court to keep the appeal trial of Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo focused on the evidence and charges before it, rather than political arguments.
Karongozi made the remarks during his closing statement in Rwamucyo’s appeal hearing, responding to the defendant’s repeated claims that he was representing Rwanda’s interests during the proceedings.
“I Represent Victims, Not the RPF”
Karongozi told the court that his role was to represent individuals seeking justice and compensation, not any political organization.
he said: “I represent individuals who are civil parties seeking compensation; I was not given any mandate by the RPF,” stressing that the trial concerns the charges against Rwamucyo rather than the RPF.
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Calls for Focus on the Evidence
He said: “The people who were killed were not soldiers or armed individuals. They were innocent civilians.”
Karongozi emphasized that the victims referred to in the case were civilians, not combatants.
He urged the court to base its judgment solely on the evidence and legal arguments presented, rather than allowing the proceedings to become a debate about the RPF or the history of the war.
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Appeal Hearing Nears Conclusion
Karongozi also called on the court to reject what he described as attempts to distort history and instead focus on the facts of the case.
The appeal hearing for Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo is expected to conclude on July 19. In late 2024, the Paris Criminal Court convicted Rwamucyo of genocide-related crimes and sentenced him to 27 years in prison. He appealed the verdict, and the appeal trial began on June 9.
