CPCR Praised for Decades-Long Efforts to Bring Genocide Suspects to Justice

PARIS, July 10, 2026 - The Collectif des Parties Civiles pour le Rwanda (CPCR) has been praised for its decades-long efforts and sacrifices in seeking justice for individuals accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. During the appeal trial of Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo before the Paris Criminal Court, CPCR founders Alain and Dafroza Gauthier were recognized for their commitment to supporting investigations and legal proceedings against suspected genocide perpetrators. On the 20th day of the appeal hearing, Alain Gauthier told the court that he and his wife had devoted much of their lives to pursuing justice, a commitment that came at a personal cost, including limited time with their three children. “We gave our lives for 30 years, and we feel that we deprived our three children of their childhood,” he said. Gauthier explained that since beginning their work in 1996, the genocide history has shaped their lives, adding that their pursuit of justice would continue until their final days. He said the CPCR has never received financial compensation for its work and that, during the early years, he and Dafroza used their own household resources to travel between Rwanda and France in search of evidence and testimonies. Dafroza Gauthier, originally from the former Butare prefecture in Rwanda, has contributed to translating numerous Rwandan documents related to the genocide that were later presented before French courts. No defense lawyer in the case has challenged the accuracy of those translations, according to testimony presented during the hearing. The work of Alain and Dafroza Gauthier has also led to support initiatives, including a fundraising campaign launched in 2025 by Jean Hus and the organization “BAHO” to help the CPCR continue its legal efforts against individuals suspected of genocide crimes. Alain Gauthier said he and his wife have faced strong criticism from genocide deniers and those seeking to minimize the crimes committed against the Tutsi population in 1994. “The CPCR, but especially my wife, is attacked by the people we investigate,” he said, describing the criticism as an attempt to distort historical truth. Accused individuals, their lawyers, and genocide denial groups have repeatedly alleged that the CPCR acts as an extension of the Rwandan government. The prosecution rejected these claims, arguing that the organization operates independently and has played a significant role in assisting justice efforts. The prosecutor told the court that without the CPCR’s work in collecting evidence and identifying witnesses in Rwanda, many suspected genocide perpetrators would likely never have faced trial. Alain Gauthier explained that he and Dafroza regularly travel to locations where crimes were committed to meet survivors and witnesses directly and collect testimonies. He also described the extensive documentary research involved in their work, including reviewing large volumes of records from Rwanda’s former Gacaca courts. He said that during visits such as one to Kabarondo, he spent entire days examining case files to identify evidence relevant to investigations. Responding to questions from Dr. Rwamucyo’s defense lawyers about how suspects are selected for investigation, Gauthier said that many cases emerge because of individuals’ own public actions and statements. He cited the case of Dr. Rwamucyo, saying the doctor had encouraged him to speak during a meeting linked to genocide denial held at the French Senate on April 4, 2002. According to Gauthier, if Rwamucyo had remained silent during that event, “perhaps he would not be here today.” As the defense continues to challenge CPCR evidence and question witnesses presented by the organization, Alain Gauthier said his family remains closely connected to Rwanda’s genocide history, noting that he has relatives in the southern part of the country.