US Jury Convicts Rwandan Refugee of Perjury Over 1994 Genocide Role

The conviction highlights U.S. enforcement of immigration fraud statutes when false statements mask participation in historic atrocities.

Eric Nshimiye, 54, was found guilty by a federal jury in Boston of perjury and obstruction of justice after he lied under oath during the 2019 immigration fraud trial of former university classmate Jean Leonard Teganya.

The jury’s verdict stems from prosecutors’ claim that Nshimiye concealed his role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide to secure refugee status and later U.S. citizenship.

Evidence presented at trial indicated that, while attending the University of Rwanda in Butare, Nshimiye took part in attacks on Tutsi civilians, including striking victims on the head with a club.

Under the charges, Nshimiye faces up to five years in prison for each of the four perjury counts and a maximum of ten years for the obstruction of justice count. He is scheduled to be sentenced on 26 January 2027.

U.S. Department of Justice prosecutor Tysen Duva said the defendant “concealed his involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the heinous acts of violence he committed, including clubbing people to death,” and then lied to immigration officials and a federal jury to protect himself and a fellow perpetrator.

Nshimiye’s attorney, Kurt Kerns, expressed disappointment with the verdict and indicated the defense will pursue all avenues of relief.

During opening statements, Kerns argued the accusations were fabricated, asserting Nshimiye was not in Butare when the violence began and that the charges arose only after he testified as a character witness for Teganya.

Jean Leonard Teganya was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2019 after being found guilty of the “most serious form of immigration fraud” for lying about his own involvement in the genocide.

This case underscores the lasting legal ramifications for individuals who conceal past atrocities when seeking refuge in the United States.