Friday 22 May 2009

Rwandan génocidaire Convicted by Canadian Court

Désiré Munyaneza was convicted today by a Canadian court of committing genocide in Rwanda during 1994. Here is the judgment, in English: www.jugements.qc.ca
Here are some Canadian news reports: http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gW8xZ_BIqxR2D7XDP3sz6HcwpzWA; http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/munyaneza-becomes-canadas-first-convicted-war-criminal/article1148631/
The 560-page judgment was issued by Quebec Superior Court judge André Denis. The trial was held without a jury, a choice that was made by the defendant in accordance with provisions of Canadian law.
After the Eichmann and Finta trials, involving second world war atrocities, this is probably the most significant and complex trial held on the basis of universal jurisdiction. Munyaneza had come to Canada in 1997, and was arrested in 2005 following an investigation. His trial has taken about two years. It is the first conviction by Canadian courts on the basis of universal jurisdiction.
Thanks to John McManus.

1 comment:

Natalie said...

As I mentioned it on my blog, the english version is available here: http://www.jugements.qc.ca/primeur/documents/r_c_munyaneza-22052009_an.doc