The United Kingdom has formally charged a suspect in connection with the 1994 Rwanda genocide, marking the first prosecution of this case in England.
On Monday, 21 Sep 2026 GMT+7, the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that a Rwandan man living in north London became the first person charged in the UK for offenses related to the 1994 Rwanda genocide.
Dr. Vincent Brown, formerly known as Dr. Vincent Bajinya, aged 65, has been charged with one count of supporting or participating in genocide and six counts of supporting or participating in murder, considered crimes against humanity.
Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division, stated that Dr. Brown "is accused of ordering and inciting others to commit murder and genocide." He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court this Tuesday (22 Sep).
Ferguson said the decision to prosecute Brown came after reviewing evidence submitted by the Metropolitan Police Service’s War Crimes Investigation Team, concluding that "the legal criteria for criminal prosecution have been met."
The UK War Crimes Investigation Team began probing this case in September 2019 after an official request from the Rwandan government to investigate those involved in the genocide in Kigali’s Rugenge district in April 1994.
During the 100 days in 1994, an estimated 800,000 people—mainly the minority Tutsi community and moderate Hutus—were killed by extremist Hutu groups in Rwanda.
The perpetrators targeted Tutsi community members and political rivals regardless of ethnicity. Afterwards, forces primarily composed of Tutsis took power post-genocide but are accused of killing thousands of Hutus in revenge.
Helen Flanagan, commander of London’s Counter-Terrorism Police, said, "This case shows the UK is not a safe haven for individuals suspected of committing international crimes."
"The War Crimes Investigation Team remains committed to ensuring that those suspected of involvement in genocide and other serious crimes are held accountable through proper legal processes."
"Additionally, multiple ongoing investigations concern other individuals in the UK suspected of similar offenses related to the Rwanda genocide."
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Source:bbc