Twenty-year search for Rwanda genocide suspect ends in Zimbabwe grave
GuardianMAY 2022
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The victims of the Rwandan genocide were right to be skeptical of the international courts. Proceedings were farcical from the time of his arrest — Kabuga should have been brought before those he harmed and been tried in Kigali instead of Europe. The suspension of his trial further proves UN courts cannot be trusted, only seeking to put on a show that vindicates them for their inaction in the deadly days of the Rwandan genocide.
Pro-establishment narrative
When any person accused of committing a crime is unfit to stand trial, all proceedings must cease. While victims may not receive the closure they hoped for, continuation of the trial would have been inhumane and benefited neither history nor justice. If the accused cannot defend themselves or participate in the proceedings, the court becomes a host to a fact-finding presentation, rather than a vehicle towards legitimate punishment or justice.