Kigali, Rwanda – (African Boulevard News) – The long-awaited trial of two alleged Rwandan genocide perpetrators resumed in Brussels on Wednesday, but with a somber twist. Only one of the accused, a 76-year-old man, was present in the courtroom, as his co-accused remained unwell and hospitalized. This trial, which brings back painful memories of one of the darkest chapters in Rwandan history, has drawn global attention as the survivors and their families seek justice for the atrocities committed during the 1994 genocide.
The 76-year-old defendant, who cannot be named due to legal restrictions, is facing charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. He stands accused of playing a key role in the mass killings that claimed the lives of approximately 800,000 people, mostly from the Tutsi ethnic group, over a span of 100 days. The trial is being held in Belgium under universal jurisdiction, as no international tribunal has been established specifically for the Rwandan genocide.
The absence of the second accused, due to health reasons, has caused disappointment amongst the survivors and their families who have waited decades for this trial to take place. Many had hoped that seeing both alleged perpetrators in the courtroom would bring them a sense of closure and justice. However, the presiding judge assured the court that the trial would proceed nonetheless, emphasizing the significance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
Despite the absence of one accused, survivors and human rights organizations see this trial as a significant step towards healing and reconciliation. Albert Gasana, a genocide survivor and founder of a Rwandan advocacy group, expressed his optimism, saying, “This trial is essential for our collective memory and for the survivors who still bear the scars of the genocide. It sends a message that justice will be pursued.”
The trial is expected to shed light on the extent of the atrocities committed during the Rwandan genocide and provide an opportunity for survivors to share their painful stories. The testimonies of survivors and witnesses will form a crucial part of the prosecution’s case, as they recount the horrors they endured and the roles played by the accused.
As the trial resumes, the international community is closely watching the proceedings, hoping that justice will be served and that this trial will contribute to preventing such horrors from recurring. The Rwandan genocide serves as a reminder of the international community’s responsibility to prevent and respond to mass atrocities.
While the absence of one of the accused may cast a shadow over the trial, the determination of the survivors and their pursuit of justice remain unwavering. As the proceedings continue, the world waits to see whether this trial will provide the closure and justice that the survivors and their families have long been seeking.
