On September 5, 2024, Venant Rutunga, the former director of ISAR-Rubona during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for complicity in genocide. Rutunga was found guilty of playing a role in the killings of Tutsi employees at ISAR and refugees who had sought safety on Mount Gakera, near the institution.
The High Court Chamber for International and Cross-Border Crimes, sitting in Nyanza, determined that Rutunga had requested the presence of gendarmes who later killed some of the Tutsi employees at ISAR and refugees who had fled to Gakera. While Rutunga argued that the gendarmes were called to protect the institution, the court ruled that his actions made him complicit in the killings, even though he did not personally participate in them.
Rutunga, who is 75 years old, had denied all charges during his trial. However, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him. Prosecutors had called for a life sentence, but the court took into account mitigating factors, such as Rutunga’s cooperation during the trial and the fact that this was his first conviction. After hearing the sentence, Rutunga did not show any visible emotion and quietly consulted with his lawyer, Me Sophonie Sebaziga.
Rutunga was extradited to Rwanda from the Netherlands in 2021, marking the first time the Dutch government had sent someone to Rwanda to face prosecution for crimes related to the genocide. Rutunga had lived in the Netherlands for over 10 years before his arrest in 2019.
The court acknowledged conflicting testimonies from witnesses regarding Rutunga’s alleged involvement in organizing rewards for the gendarmes after the killings, including claims that he provided them with a cow and drinks. However, the court found that these claims lacked sufficient evidence and dismissed them.
The court concluded that while Rutunga did not directly participate in the killings, his role in summoning the gendarmes was crucial. The judge described it as “essential support for the killing of Tutsis,” leading to his conviction for complicity in genocide.
Following the ruling, Rutunga’s lawyer, Me Sebaziga, stated, “We respect the court’s decision, as it is made in the name of the people.” He also mentioned that he would meet with Rutunga in prison to discuss whether they will appeal the decision.
This sentencing marks another step in Rwanda’s ongoing pursuit of justice for the crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with efforts continuing both domestically and internationally to bring those responsible to justice.
