Franco-Cameroonian Author Charles Onana Convicted in Paris for Denying Genocide

In a landmark ruling, Charles Onana, a 60-year-old Franco-Cameroonian writer, was convicted by a Paris court on December 9, 2023, for his controversial claims in the book "Rwanda, the Truth About Operation Turquoise." Onana was charged with "complicity in publicly contesting the existence of a crime against humanity" and was fined €8,400. Additionally, his publisher, Damien Serieyx, faced a €5,000 fine, and together they were ordered to pay €11,000 in damages to several human rights organizations.

The contentious book, published in 2019, posits that the historical narrative of a Hutu-planned genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda is "one of the greatest scams of the 20th century." This assertion set the stage for the legal battle under France's 2017 press freedom law, which makes it illegal to deny or diminish recognized genocides. Associations like Survie, the Ligue des droits de l'Homme, and the International Federation for Human Rights brought the lawsuit, emphasizing the importance of recognizing historically verified atrocities.

The 1994 Rwandan genocide is a deeply painful chapter in world history. Orchestrated by an extremist Hutu regime, it led to the tragic deaths of around 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The genocide has been extensively documented and recognized internationally, including by the United Nations.

During the trial, testimony highlighted how distortion of these facts undermines the memory of the victims and the severity of the genocide. Legal experts discussed the implications of genocide denial on public discourse and historical truth.

Outside the courtroom, the scene was charged with emotional displays from Onana’s supporters, contradicting the judgment by chanting "Onana innocent" and critiquing Rwandan President Paul Kagame with shouts of "Kagame assassin." However, security forces were prompt in dispersing these protests to maintain order.

This conviction raises significant questions about the balance between freedom of speech and the protection against harm caused by denying historical atrocities. The case against Onana and Serieyx underlines the delicate tension between upholding free expression and respecting the dignity of genocide victims.

This verdict could set a precedent for how countries dealing with similar legacies of violence address historical denialism and protect truth in historically factual narratives about human atrocities.