The French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) has requested an expanded investigation into Kanziga's alleged involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
According to previous investigations, PNAT noted that the inquiry had been conducted on a limited scope and called for hearing more witnesses and further investigating additional actions.
Attorney Richard Gisagara explained that the French judiciary had initially examined Kanziga's involvement in crimes committed from April 7, 1994, despite it being known that French forces evacuated her from Rwanda on April 9, 1994.
He further stated that PNAT is now requesting an investigation into crimes committed as early as March 1, 1994. Gisagara also revealed that the prosecution seeks to add the charge of participation in the planning of the genocide, which would hold accountable individuals who played an indirect role in the crimes.
The prosecution's request was originally set to be reviewed in a closed-door session on March 19, 2025. However, according to the French international broadcaster RFI, the hearing did not take place due to missing documents required by the Court of Appeal. The court has now rescheduled the review for May 21, 2025, as reported by the media outlet.
In 2007, the Rwandan government issued an arrest warrant for Kanziga, accusing her of genocide and crimes against humanity. However, the French judiciary refused to extradite her and later suspended its investigation.
The Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), an organization advocating for justice against genocide fugitives in France, stated that Kanziga provided financial support to RTLM, a radio station that broadcasted hate speech targeting the Tutsi.
The CPCR also claimed that Kanziga, a prominent member of the "Akazu" inner circle, was involved in compiling lists of influential Tutsis to be killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/france-reschedules-hearing-on-agathe-habyarimana-s-case
