European nations accused of shielding genocide suspects

European countries have been reluctant to try suspected perpetrators of the 1994 genocide. Since 1994, Rwanda has sent indictments against 141 genocide suspects in Europe, but only 28 have been tried, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Justice. The New Times reports that France and Belgium, which host the biggest number of fugitives in Europe, have not extradited any suspects to Rwanda. The two countries have tried seven and 12 suspects, respectively. Britain, which hosts five suspects, Italy (four) and Denmark (three) have not tried or extradited any suspects. The Netherlands, which received 18 indictments, has tried two suspects and extradited four. Norway and Germany, which received seven and six indictments respectively, have each tried one suspect and extradited one. Speaking to The New Times following the 10 June conviction of Emmanuel Nkunduwimye in Belgium, genocide support group Ibuka said more efforts were needed to give the survivors justice. ‘It has been 30 years since the genocide, and therefore bringing the perpetrators before the courts of law should be a matter of urgency. Genocide survivors have waited for too long and they need justice,’ said group spokesperson Naftal Ahishakiye.