Editor,

I felt a sense of dèja-vu as soon as I read that the French justice system had released Dr. Eugene Rwamucyo and dismissed Rwanda’s extradition request because it feared that he wouldn’t get a ‘free and fair trial’. I could rage against that falsehood, because anyone knows that a lot of people have been declared innocent, despite sustained efforts by the Prosecution. I will not, however, do such a thing.

What I want to ask the French legal system is "why don’t you try him, instead”? I mean, the French judiciary has proved that it can apply international jurisdiction when it suits its purposes, as the infamous ‘anti-terrorism’ judge Jean Louis Bruguière, showed when he indicted almost the entire Rwandan leadership. So, why doesn’t it try all the criminals that they have refused to extradite to Rwanda?

They certainly have the ability to and I’m sure that the Rwandan authorities would be more than willing to help their French counterparts bring these suspects to justice.

If you don’t do so, and let these men and women go scot-free, without a day in court, despite your ability to hold them accountable, you shall take the culture of impunity to a higher level. Especially when one sees French officials here in Rwanda, investigating Juvenal Habyarimana’s plane crash.

Is this the only matter that is worthy of the French’s involvement - when French citizens are the victims of crimes? What about the Rwandans vicitms?

Sam Rwego
Kimihurura