Stockholm - The Swedish government decided Thursday to extradite an alleged Rwandan war criminal to the East African country, becoming one of the first countries in the European Union to make such a move. Rwanda has called for Sylvere Ahorugeze's extradition following his arrest in Sweden in July 2008. He is suspected of crimes against humanity during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and of involvement in the murder of around 25 people.
"It was not an easy decision," Justice Minister Beatrice Ask said after a cabinet meeting.
The government said it considered several factors, and cited that the Supreme Court in May said that although there were shortcomings in Rwanda's legal system, there were no legal obstacles preventing the return of Ahorugeze.
The 53-year-old suspect has claimed witness statements were part of a plot against him and that he would not be granted a fair trial in Rwanda. He has also cited ill-health.
The Supreme Court ruling said Rwanda had made strides to improve its justice system, but noted that Finland and the High Court in London recently said they would not extradite other alleged Rwandan war criminals.
Ahorugeze's lawyer, Hans Bredberg, said the decision was "surprising" and planned to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, he told Swedish radio news.
Finland recently opted to try an alleged Rwandan war criminal in Finland, and plans some hearings in Rwanda too.
"From experience we know that it is very difficult to try and convict someone accused of crimes committed outside Sweden," Ask said, adding that the cases were different.
"Rwanda has improved its justice system radically," Ask said, adding that "the international community can't wait for ever, and must show respect for the steps taken there."
"It is extremely important for the reconciliation process after what occurred in Rwanda to try and convict those suspected of these crimes," she added.
Ask told the German Press Agency
