Rwanda
Sosthène Munyemana
Type of liability
Personne physique
Alleged perpetrator(s)
Sosthène MUNYEMANA
Nationality of alleged perpetrator(s)
Rwandan
Legal classification of crime(s)
Complicity in torture and acts of barbarity
Genocide
Complicity in genocide
Crimes against humanity
Source of the complaint
NGO
Victim
Ongoing proceedings
oui
Regime
1 - TPIY/TPIR
Summary of facts
Sosthène Munyemana was a gynecologist at Butare University Hospital.
On April 7, 1994, when the massacres began, thousands of Tutsi refugees fled to Butare, traditionally known for the peaceful coexistence of the country’s various communities.
On April 7, 1994, Sosthène Munyemana allegedly gave a speech in which he clearly expressed his intention to exterminate the Tutsi community of Tumba. His speech allegedly encouraged the inhabitants of Tumba, and in particular Hutu extremists, to locate the Tutsis in the town.
On April 21, systematic massacres began in the Tumba sector.
He allegedly distributed ammunition and drew up a list of Tutsis to be eliminated.
At the end of June 1994, Sosthène Munyemana fled Rwanda. In October 1994, he and his wife were employed by the University of Bordeaux, where he coordinated a working group on AIDS in Rwanda.
Amnesty International France recalls that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.
Legal proceedings
End of 2001: The CPCR joins as a civil party.<br />
June 19, 2002: FIDH joins as a civil party.<br />
2006: Rwanda requests the extradition of Sosthène Munyemana.<br />
April 2007: The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office requests that he be indicted.<br />
August 8, 2007: Rwanda issues an international arrest warrant.<br />
January 24, 2008: The CNDA rejects Dr. Sosthène Munyemana’s asylum application.<br />
October 2008: Sosthène Munyemana is convicted in absentia by the Butare court (Rwanda). He is sentenced to life imprisonment.<br />
January 20, 2010: Sosthène Munyemana is placed under judicial supervision.<br />
February 4, 2010: The Bordeaux judges request additional information from the Rwandan authorities on the nature of the charges against Sosthène Munyemana.<br />
June 3, 2010: The Investigating Chamber of the Bordeaux Court of Appeal reserves its judgment until June 15, 2010.<br />
June 15, 2010: The case is adjourned to October 7, 2010.<br />
October 7, 2010: The court refuses extradition and lifts the judicial supervision.<br />
November 8, 2011: The Bordeaux High Court convicts the Cauri association and French citizens of “violating the presumption of innocence” following a complaint filed by Sosthène Munyemana.<br />
December 15, 2011: Sosthène Munyemana is indicted and placed under judicial supervision.<br />
March 29, 2017: The judicial investigation is closed. The final submissions of the prosecution are awaited.<br />
May 2018: The Public Prosecutor’s Office requests committal to the Assize Court, pending the indictment order.<br />
December 2018: An order of partial dismissal, reclassification and indictment before the Paris Assize Court is issued. Sosthène Munyemana is charged with “crimes against humanity,” “genocide,” “complicity in crimes against humanity,” “complicity in genocide” and “participation in a group formed for the purpose of preparing these crimes.” The defense appeals.<br />
December 15, 2021: The committal to the Assize Court is upheld on appeal.<br />
December 20, 2021: The defense appeals to the Court of Cassation.<br />
March 23, 2022: The appeal is dismissed.<br />
November 13, 2023: The trial opens before the Paris Assize Court.<br />
December 19, 2023: Munyemana is sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment for “genocide,” “crimes against humanity” and “conspiracy to prepare these crimes,” with a minimum term of 8 years. The defense appeals.<br />
From September 16 to October 24, 2025: Sosthène Munyemana’s appeal trial takes place before the Assize Court of Appeal.<br />
November 10, 2025: Sosthène Munyemana is sentenced by the Paris Assize Court of Appeal to 24 years’ imprisonment for genocide and conspiracy to commit genocide. He is acquitted of the charges of crimes against humanity upheld at first instance.</p>
Complaint
Names of NGOs / Victim(s)
LDH
CPCR
Survie
Legal basis for jurisdiction (article)
Court of Assizes judgment
Court of Appeal ruling
Court of Cassation ruling
Sources
Survie, « Soutien au Collectif Girondin pour le Rwanda contre Sosthène Munyemana », 2011
Survie, « Nos actions judiciaires concernant le génocide des Tutsis au Rwanda », 2019
Cour de cassation, arrêt du 23 mars 2022
Mediapart, « Génocide au Rwanda: son ultime recours rejeté, un médecin sera jugé aux assises », 2022