Rwandan genocide suspect deported from U.S. to stand trial in Rwanda after decades-long wait for justice
Return and pending proceedings
Teganya arrived in Rwanda on Monday, according to local authorities. Justin Nkusi, a spokesperson for the prosecution, said the 55-year-old faces charges related to genocide. Police are questioning Teganya before prosecutors receive his file, Nkusi said. The authorities have not described what steps will follow the questioning.
Allegations tied to Huye
Rwandan authorities indicted Teganya in 2014 over alleged genocidal crimes in several parts of Huye district in southern Rwanda. They say some alleged crimes took place at a university campus and a medical school there.
Years in Canada and United States
In 2019, a federal jury in Boston found Teganya guilty of immigration fraud and perjury connected to his U.S. asylum application. The 2014 Rwandan indictment had prompted an investigation into his presence in the United States and a request for his deportation.
Survivor welcomes his return
Yolande Mukakasana, a genocide survivor, told The Associated Press in Kigali that she welcomed the decision to send Teganya back to face justice. Mukakasana said genocide and crimes against humanity do not expire with time, and that perpetrators will be pursued and prosecuted. She said survivors remained hopeful that justice would be done, however much time had passed.
Key points
- Teganya arrived in Rwanda on Monday after deportation from the United States.
- He faces genocide-related charges and is being questioned by police.
- Rwanda indicted him in 2014 over alleged crimes in Huye district.
- A U.S. jury convicted him in 2019 of immigration fraud and perjury.