This is a necessary step toward accountability for one of the worst atrocities of the modern era — survivors deserve truth and justice. At the same time, we must guard the integrity of the process: everyone is entitled to a fair trial and the media should avoid presumptions of guilt before the courts decide. It’s also vital that this case doesn’t become an excuse to demonise refugees, asylum workers or entire communities; many people who fled Rwanda have rebuilt their lives here and do important humanitarian work. The UK has a responsibility to be a place where serious international crimes are investigated, but equally to ensure those investigations are transparent, thorough and survivor-centred. Finally, the wider lesson remains: the world failed Rwanda in 1994. Accountability now must be matched by long-term support for survivors, truth-telling, and measures to prevent future atrocities everywhere.
