First UK genocide charges

A Rwandan man living in north London has become the first person charged in Britain with offences relating to the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Dr Vincent Brown, 65, faces one charge of conduct ancillary to genocide and six charges of conduct ancillary to murder as a crime against humanity.

Alleged role in directing violence

Prosecutors say Brown is alleged to have directed and incited acts of murder and genocide carried out by others. The Crown Prosecution Service concluded its legal test for bringing criminal charges had been met after reviewing evidence from the Metropolitan Police's War Crimes Team.

“is alleged to have directed and incited acts of murder and genocide carried out by others”

Seven year investigation

The Metropolitan Police's War Crimes Team began investigating in September 2019 after a formal request from the Rwandan government. The charges follow what police describe as a complex and extensive seven-year investigation.

The 1994 Rwanda genocide

Over 100 days in 1994, an estimated 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and politically moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu extremists. The killings targeted the minority Tutsi community and political opponents regardless of ethnicity.

UK not a safe haven

Commander Helen Flanagan said the case demonstrates the UK is not a safe haven for genocide suspects. The War Crimes Team has multiple other investigations ongoing into individuals in the UK for similar Rwanda genocide-related offences.

“This case demonstrates the UK is not a safe haven for individuals suspected of committing international crimes”