Share & more
The London-based 'African Rights' organisation has accused members of the Belgian Catholic clergy of trying to interfere with the process of justice regarding the 1994 Rwanda genocide. In a new report, 'African Rights' recalls the case of two Rwandan nuns implicated in the genocide, who fled to Belgium, and have been "shielded from prosecution" by some Belgian
priests and nuns. The two - Sister Gertrude Mukangango and Sister Julienne Kizito - are accused of instigating killings at the monastery of Sovu, in Butare prefecture and of assisting militia forces. "It is now almost five years since the accusations were first made public," the report stated.
"With the strength of the evidence now available about the killings in Sovu, it is inconceivable that the nuns could continue to evade trial."
The report said the leader of the Sovu militia, Warrant Officer Emmanuel Rekeraho - now imprisoned in Rwanda - had given a signed frank and detailed testimony "admitting his own role in the genocide and confirming that the two Sisters were deeply involved". The report also stressed that in the light of this case, "it is important to make certain that Belgium is not now and never again shall be a haven for genocide suspects".
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions