Laurent S.

Type of liability
Personne physique

Alleged perpetrator(s)
Laurent S.

Nationality of alleged perpetrator(s)
Rwandan

Legal classification of crime(s)
Genocide
Complicity in crimes against humanity

Source of the complaint
NGO

Ongoing proceedings
oui

Regime
1 - TPIY/TPIR

Summary of facts

Laurent S., former chief of staff, allegedly supported the civil defense forces, perceived as the body responsible for managing the genocide.

He is also accused of having planned the genocide. In particular, he allegedly led attacks in the Giciye region.

At the end of the genocide, Laurent S. fled Rwanda. He then reportedly settled in Kenya for some time before leaving for France in 1998. Once in France, Laurent S., who held a residence permit, applied for refugee status, which was denied to him due to his possible involvement in the genocide.

Amnesty International France recalls that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.

Legal proceedings

January 6, 2000: FIDH and LDH file ordinary complaints (without civil party application) with the public prosecutor of the Paris High Court. 
May 22, 2001: The complaints are dropped for lack of evidence. 
December 10, 2001: FIDH, Survie and the CRF file a new complaint with civil party application. 
June 28, 2002: A judicial investigation is opened on charges of “genocide” and “complicity in crimes against humanity”. 
July 13, 2007: The CPCR in turn joins as a civil party. 
May 2013: The Rwandan authorities issue an arrest warrant against Laurent S. and request his extradition. 
July 11, 2013: Laurent S. is arrested and imprisoned in Douai. 
September 12, 2013: The Douai Court of Appeal issues an unfavorable opinion on the extradition. Laurent S. is released. 
September 16, 2013: The Douai public prosecutor files an appeal to the Court of Cassation. 
February 26, 2014: The Court of Cassation refuses the extradition. 
May 9, 2017: Laurent S. is granted the status of assisted witness. The investigating judges close the judicial investigation. 
May 2019: The Public Prosecutor’s Office objects to the closing of the judicial investigation before certain letters rogatory have been executed and certain hearings conducted. The Court of Appeal rules in favor of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and sends the case back to the investigating judges. Laurent S. remains an assisted witness pending the return of two international letters rogatory, which will determine whether the judge closes the investigation or hears Laurent S. again in order to indict him again.