Paris, December 9, 2024 – A French court has convicted French-Cameroonian author Charles Auguste Onana and his publisher Damien Serieyx for denying and trivializing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The landmark ruling sends a strong message against genocide denial and reinforces France’s commitment to combating historical revisionism and ensuring justice for victims.
Charles Auguste Onana, born on February 18, 1964, is a political scientist, investigative journalist, essayist, and publisher. He is known for his controversial writings on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, often accused of spreading denialist narratives. His recent conviction stems from publications that downplayed the atrocities committed during the genocide, in which over one million Tutsi were systematically murdered in Rwanda. Damien Serieyx, his publisher, was also found guilty for facilitating the dissemination of these claims.
The court ruled that Onana’s writings violated France’s laws prohibiting genocide denial and incitement to hatred. In its decision, the court emphasized that “France will no longer be a haven for denialists,” signaling a firm stance against those who attempt to distort historical truths about the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Coalition for Genocide Justice (CRF), a French-based organization committed to accountability and the fight against denialism, praised the court’s decision. “We will ensure this commitment is upheld,” the CRF declared, underscoring its resolve to protect the memory of the victims and prevent the spread of denialist rhetoric.
This case underscores the critical importance of preserving historical accuracy and combating dangerous narratives that undermine justice for survivors of the genocide. By holding Onana and Serieyx accountable, France has reaffirmed its role in the global fight against denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi, setting a significant precedent for other nations.
The conviction is widely regarded as a victory for justice and a reminder that denying genocide is not a matter of opinion but a criminal act with severe consequences.
