London doctor faces October 2027 trial over Rwanda genocide charges

Dr Vincent Brown, aged 65, who lives in Islington, north London, is to stand trial in the UK for offences linked to the 1994 Rwanda genocide. A provisional trial date has been set for October 4, 2027, at the Old Bailey. This marks the first time an individual in the UK has been charged in connection with the genocide.

Dr Brown, formerly known as Dr Vincent Bajinya, faces one count of conduct ancillary to genocide and six offences of conduct ancillary to murder as a crime against humanity. He denies any wrongdoing and has indicated that he will plead not guilty to the charges.

Background to the Charges

The charges follow a seven-year British investigation into alleged killings in Rwanda. Between April 6 and April 13, 1994, Dr Brown was reportedly involved in six murders. The court heard that prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC described the events of 1994 as "the most devastating wave of mass killing in modern history", adding that "One hundred thousand were murdered in Kigali especially in the first days and weeks of the genocide."

An estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed during the 100-day period of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Dr Brown qualified as a medical doctor in Rwanda in the 1980s and previously held the position of head of the country's Department of Family Health in Kigali.

Bail Conditions and Next Steps

During a pre-trial hearing at the Old Bailey, where Dr Brown appeared via video link from Belmarsh prison, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb set the provisional trial date. The trial is expected to last between eight and 12 weeks. A plea and case management hearing is scheduled for January 15.

The court was informed that a bail condition of £100,000, which was imposed in October, has not yet been met.