Rwandan Man Charged with Hiding Role in Genocide to Gain U.S. Citizenship

The Rwandan man living in New York was accused by federal authorities of seizing his role in the 1994 Genocide and gaining US citizenship.

“When genocide began in 1994, Faustin Nsabumukunzi was accused of hiding his role as a local leader in Rwanda from US authorities,” he reported. CNN. “An estimated 800,000 Tutsi were killed during the three-month long genocide. The charges of Bridgehampton men were not sealed in Central Islip on Long Island.”

“In his first court appearance, Nsabumukunzi pleaded not guilty to Visa fraud, attempted naturalization fraud, and was released on a $250,000 bail. The bail package requires family detention and GPS monitoring, but is permitted to continue working as a gardener.”

Nsabumukunzi’s lawyer Evan Sugar denied the accusation, referring his client as “a law-abiding beekeeper and gardener who lived in Long Island for over 20 years,” adding that he was “a victim of Rwandan genocide who lost scores for family and friends.”

Sugar said Nsabumukunzi has acquired refugee status and permanent residency in the United States due to alleged persecution he faced during the genocide. However, prosecutors say that witnesses argue that while nasubumukunzi personally urges Hatus to massacre them, he mistakenly assures the Tutsi that they will be protected during the public meeting. Witnesses also claim he encouraged Hutus to rape Tutsi women.

“Prosecutors said when the charges were described in Nsabumukunzi when he was arrested Thursday morning, he replied, “I know I’m done,” CNN said.