Facts
During the three-month period of the Rwandan genocide in 1994, approximately 800 000 people were killed, mainly Tutsis and moderate Hutus. A man from Ede is suspected of inciting and participating in the killing of Tutsis during this time. According to the Public Prosecution Service, the suspect was also involved in a campaign of looting targeting the Tutsi population in 1994, during which Tutsis’ properties were ransacked and homes destroyed in the town of Gatobotobo, located in the Huye district. In April 1994 alone, over 100 000 people were killed in this area.
Procedure
The suspect has long been wanted in Rwanda on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity. In 2014, Rwandan authorities issued an international arrest warrant and requested his extradition from the Netherlands. However, as the suspect holds Dutch citizenship, he cannot be extradited.
Since 2020, the National Investigation and Intervention Unit, along with the National Public Prosecution Service, have been investigating his case. Officers have made multiple trips to Rwanda to interview witnesses and conduct on-site investigations, with dozens of witnesses now having been heard.
Based on the findings of the investigation, the suspect was arrested on 14 February 2024. Dozens of witness interviews were subsequently conducted in Rwanda under the supervision of the examining magistrate.
On 17 June 2026, the District Court of The Hague began the trial against the defendant.