On 18 July 2026, the Paris Assize Court, ruling on appeal, sentenced the Rwandan doctor Eugène Rwamucyo to 27 years’ imprisonment for his involvement in the Tutsi genocide in the Butare region of Rwanda in 1994. Mr Grégory Thuan Dit Dieudonné represented numerous civil parties, survivors and relatives of victims at the trial.

The decision

  • 27 years’ imprisonment, the sentence handed down at first instance on 30 October 2024 having been upheld on appeal
  • Conviction for complicity in genocide and complicity in crimes against humanity
  • And for participation in a conspiracy to prepare for genocide and crimes against humanity

The facts established by the court

Between April and July 1994, whilst the massacres were ongoing, Eugène Rwamucyo organised and directed the mass burial of the bodies of Tutsi civilians in the Butare region. In the court’s view, he thereby concealed evidence of the genocide and participated in its logistics, enabling the crime to continue. He also made an active public appearance on 14 May 1994 at the National University of Rwanda, alongside the Prime Minister of the genocidal government, and took part in prefectural security meetings.

Strong words from the court

  • “As a doctor, Eugène Rwamucyo abused his skills and duties”, in breach of the oath that required him to protect the most vulnerable and preserve their dignity, “whether alive or dead”.
  • The court emphasises the suffering of the families, many of whom have never been able to recover the bodies of their loved ones: most of the mass graves have still not been located.
  • It recalls the scale of the Tutsi genocide, “the last genocide of the twentieth century”.

A long-term commitment

Thanks to universal jurisdiction (the power of the French courts to try the most serious crimes committed abroad), those responsible for the genocide can be tried in France, more than thirty years after the events. Mr Thuan Dit Dieudonné represents numerous victims of the Tutsi genocide before the Paris Assize Court, so that their voices may be heard and justice may be done.

Why this is essential

For crimes against humanity, there is no statute of limitations (time does not erase the crime). Every trial is a victory against oblivion and against genocide denial.

👉 Victims of international crimes: our firm supports you before French and international courts.

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