Charles Twagira
Context
Ongoing proceedings against Rwandan doctor for his alleged participation in crimes committed during the Rwandan genocide
Type of jurisdiction
Universal jurisdiction
Suspect
Charles Twagira, Rwandan doctor and former director of the Kibuye Hospital
Country of residence of suspect
France
Charges
Genocide; crimes against humanity
Current status
Charged while under investigation (mis en examen); under judicial surveillance
Facts
Twagira is suspected of having participated in numerous murders during the Rwandan genocide and, more generally, of using his position as director of the Kibuye Hospital to target Tutsis and deprive them of medical care. On 16 April 1994, Augustin Mukandasira, a Tutsi driver helping Tutsi individuals fleeing the genocide, was killed, allegedly following the orders of Twagira. On 18 and 19 April 1994, many Tutsis gathered at the Garwaro stadium were massacred by Interahamwe militiamen following the orders of Mayor Karara. Twagira was allegedly present at the scene. On 3 May 1994, 72 Tutsis under the age of 18 who took refuge in the Kibuye Hospital were killed.
Procedure
In 2009, the Collectif des parties civiles pour le Rwanda (CPCR) lodged a complaint against Twagira for his alleged participation in the genocide, after locating him in France.
In October 2010, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its member organization in France the Ligue des Droits de l’Homme (LDH) were admitted as civil parties.
On 20 March 2014, Twagira was charged while under investigation (mis en examen) for genocide and crimes against humanity and placed in pre-trial detention.
On 22 May 2015, Twagira was released from pre-trial detention. He remains under judicial supervision.
