Holding Genocide deniers accountable is a victory for justice

The conviction of French-Cameroonian author Charles Onana by a French court for crimes related to negating the Genocide against the Tutsi is a significant milestone in the global fight against genocide denial. Onana was sued by civil society organisations in France for openly negating the Genocide in which over a million innocent lives were lost. He was jointly charged with Damien Serieyx, the publisher of his book titled ‘Rwanda: The Truth about Operation Turquoise’. ALSO READ Charles Onana’s Genocide denial trial begins in France This verdict sends a strong message that those who seek to distort history and undermine the truth will be held accountable, and they are many out there. Onana's conviction highlights the dangers of genocide denial and its potential to fuel hatred and violence. Secondly, such actions continue to cut deeper into the wounds of those who survived the genocide. By spreading misinformation and promoting a distorted narrative, genocide deniers undermine efforts to achieve reconciliation and lasting peace. It is imperative that we remain vigilant in combating these pernicious ideologies and exposing their falsehoods. ALSO READ: Karma finally catches up with a “clever” journalist With this landmark ruling as precedence, the international community must take a firm stance against genocide denial and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes. This includes prosecuting not only the authors of such works but also the publishers who knowingly disseminate these harmful narratives. Acts by such individuals who hide behind fictitious, mal-intentioned research to sanitise those who took innocent lives in 1994 have emboldened the same killers to publish their own books which denies their actions despite some of them having been convicted by a UN court, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. By taking decisive action, we can prevent the resurgence of extremist ideologies and promote a culture of tolerance and understanding. ALSO READ: Karma finally catches up with a “clever” journalist The conviction of Charles Onana serves as a powerful reminder that the truth cannot be silenced. By upholding the principles of justice and accountability, we can honor the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and work towards a future free from hatred and violence. In conclusion, the irony is not lost that the ruling was made on December 9, a day on which when in 1948 the Genocide Convention was adopted, confirming genocide to be a crime under international law. While this was blatantly ignored 30 years ago when tens of thousands of Tutsis were being killed every day for 100 straight days, the international community can still do something to ensure the Never Again promise is upheld this time round.

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Holding Genocide deniers accountable is a victory for justice