In the Netherlands, Pierre-Claver Karangwa, a former Rwandan soldier, is suspected of having played a key role during the 1994 genocide. The Rwandan authorities requested his extradition, an extradition refused by the Netherlands, which nevertheless initiated an investigation. And it is in this context that Pierre-Claver Karangwa was arrested.
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In June 2023, the Dutch Supreme Court blocked the extradition of Pierre-Claver Karangwa. Considered a political opponent, an extradition would be a “ flagrant violation of the right to a fair trial », indicated the Dutch justice. Kigali, which suspects Karangwa of being linked to the massacre of 30,000 Tutsis in Mugina parish in April 1994, has requested his extradition since 2012. The former soldier, who is 67 years old, has lived in the Netherlands since 1998 where he obtained nationality, a nationality which was withdrawn from him last year by the authorities, paving the way for his extradition, the supreme court therefore decided otherwise.
House fire
From now on, it is the justice of the Netherlands which is carrying out the investigation. Dutch prosecutors said they suspected Pierre-Claver Karangwa of being involved in the burning of a house housing dozens of women and children following the attack in Mugina parish, suspicions that led to his arrest. The Netherlands has already tried and convicted other Rwandan genocide suspects under universal jurisdiction.
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