Rwandan up over genocide

Paris – A former senior Rwandan official went on trial in Paris yesterday accused of complicity in the African nation’s genocide, the most high-ranking figure yet to face justice in France over the 1994 massacres.

The case of Laurent Bucyibaruta is the fourth from the Rwandan genocide to come to court in France, which had long been under pressure from activists to act against suspects who had taken refuge on French soil.

An estimated 800 000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus perished in 100 days of slaughter in 1994 in which Hutu militiamen massacred those taking cover in churches and schools.

Standing trial on charges of genocide, complicity in genocide and complicity in crimes against humanity, Bucyibaruta faces a life sentence if convicted.

The 78-year-old, who suffers from health problems, entered the courtroom in a wheelchair, a walking stick in his hand. Bucyibaruta, in a hoarse voice, asked if he could remain seated, as offered by the court’s president.

At the heart of the case are several “security” meetings, either ordered by Bucyibaruta or in which he participated. The accusation says they were slaughter-planning sessions.

Bucyibaruta denies the charges and refutes any involvement in the killings. –