First UK charges brought over 1994 Rwanda genocide

A 65-year-old Rwandan man, who has been residing in north London, has become the first individual in the United Kingdom to face charges related to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced. Dr. Vincent Brown, previously known as Dr. Vincent Bajinya, has been indicted for one count of conduct ancillary to genocide and six counts of conduct ancillary to murder as a crime against humanity.

According to Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS's Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, Brown is accused of directing and inciting acts of murder and genocide perpetrated by others. Brown is scheduled to make his appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Ferguson disclosed that the decision to charge Brown was reached after the CPS's War Crimes Team thoroughly reviewed an extensive file of evidence submitted by the Metropolitan Police's War Crimes Team.

The investigation commenced in September 2019 following a formal request from the Rwandan government to investigate individuals allegedly involved in the genocide that took place in the Rugenge district of Kigali in April 1994. Ferguson emphasized that the decision to bring criminal charges was based on the CPS's legal criteria.

The Metropolitan Police disclosed that this case stems from a complex and comprehensive seven-year investigation. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated that this case underscores the UK's unwavering stance against individuals suspected of committing international crimes, asserting that the UK will not serve as a safe haven for such perpetrators.

Ferguson reiterated that the War Crimes Team remains committed to ensuring accountability for those suspected of involvement in genocide and other atrocity crimes, emphasizing that other investigations into individuals in the UK for similar offenses related to the genocide in Rwanda are ongoing.