US Arrests Rwandan Beekeeper Over 1994 Genocide Allegations
Written by News Desk on April 25, 2025
A 65-year-old Rwandan beekeeper, Faustin Nsabumukunzi, has been detained in the United States for allegedly participating in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The US Justice Department charged him with carrying out “heinous acts of violence abroad” while a local leader during the genocide.
Nsabumukunzi, who was arrested at his home in Bridgehampton, New York, is accused of setting up roadblocks to detain and kill Tutsis and participating in killings. He was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia by a Rwandan genocide court.
The suspect allegedly lied to US officials in his immigration application, denying involvement in the genocide when seeking refugee status in 2003. He repeated these lies in subsequent applications for a green card and naturalization.
Nsabumukunzi pleaded not guilty and was released on a $188,000 bond. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison. The case highlights the US government’s efforts to hold accountable those accused of human rights abuses abroad.
