Faustin Nsabumukunzi, a 65-year-old man from New York, was arrested and charged with concealing his role as a local leader during the 1994 Rwandan genocide in his applications for US citizenship and a green card. Prosecutors allege that he participated in orchestrating the genocide, including setting up roadblocks to detain and kill Tutsis, and encouraging violence and rape against Tutsi women. Despite being sentenced to life in prison in absentia by a Rwandan court, he successfully applied for US refugee status in 2003, later obtaining a green card and attempting to gain citizenship. Nsabumukunzi, who has lived as a gardener on Long Island for over two decades, maintains his innocence, describing himself as a victim of the genocide. His lawyer plans to challenge the allegations, asserting that Nsabumukunzi was lawfully granted refugee status and permanent residence in the United States.

Faustin Nsabumukunzi was arrested in New York on charges of hiding his involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide when applying for US citizenship and a green card. He was accused of being a local leader during the genocide and actively participating in the violence against Tutsis.

Prosecutors claim Nsabumukunzi used his position to encourage Hutus to kill Tutsis and participated in the establishment of roadblocks used to detain and murder Tutsis. Witnesses also allege that he urged Hutu men to use rape as a genocidal tool against Tutsi women.

Despite being convicted of genocide in absentia by a Rwandan court and sentenced to life imprisonment, Nsabumukunzi managed to secure refugee status in the US in 2003 and received a green card in 2007. He applied for US citizenship in 2009 and 2015, falsely claiming no involvement in the genocide.

At his initial court appearance, Nsabumukunzi pleaded not guilty to charges of visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud, and was released on $250,000 bail with conditions including home detention and GPS monitoring. He is allowed to continue his work as a gardener while awaiting trial.

Nsabumukunzi's lawyer, Evan Sugar, describes him as a law-abiding beekeeper and gardener who lost many family members to the genocide, arguing that he rightfully earned his refugee status and legal residency. The defense plans to contest the 30-year-old allegations, asserting Nsabumukunzi's innocence.

The charges highlight the broader context of the Rwandan genocide, where an estimated 800,000 Tutsis were killed in a span of three months. The international community's failure to intervene and the subsequent reconciliation process are notable aspects of this historical atrocity.

The indictment and arrest of Nsabumukunzi underscore the efforts by US authorities to address past war crimes and ensure that individuals who committed such acts do not evade justice by misleading immigration processes.