Kayishema’s arrest highlights the realization of justice, whereby all criminals will be punished for their crimes against humanity

The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) declares genocide as is the most serious crime known to humankind, emphasizing the commitment of the international community to ensuring prosecution and punishment of its perpetrators.

The 62-year-old former Rwandan police officer, Fulgence Kayishema, has been accused of involvement in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide for allegedly ordering the mass killing of 2000 people who were hidden in the Nyange Catholic Church. Rwanda’s 1994 genocide led to an estimated 800000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus massacre during 100 days of violence. Although Kayishema expressed his sorrow for the 1994 genocide, he denied any participation in brutal killings.

Seeking to apply for asylum and refugee status in South Africa, the ex-police officer was arrested last month under a false identity and has been already accused of 54 separate violations relating to fraud and immigration offences among others. According to the charge sheet presented in the Cape Town, Kayishema faces nine counts of fraud, 10 of contravention of the Refugees Act and 35 counts of contravention of the Immigration Act.

The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) declares genocide as is the most serious crime known to humankind, emphasizing the commitment of the international community to ensuring prosecution and punishment of its perpetrators. This arrest highlight the realization of justice, through which all criminals will be punished for their crimes against humanity.

The UN has also declared the arrest of Kayishema as a powerful message that those committing such crimes will finally be held accountable and cannot escape justice.