International justice
A former doctor he was sentenced to 27 years in prison – a very long sentence in France – for his role in the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
This trial is one of many related to the Rwandan genocide taking place in France – another former doctor was jailed for 24 years last year – under an agreement with the International Criminal Court which set up a tribunal in Paris for war crimes jurisdiction for crimes committed during the genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
I think it’s just one of many examples of this France is an outward-looking country and considers himself a “citizen of the world”.
Emphasis on fun
A funny video from Toulouse rugby club showing its foreign players trying to master the region’s distinctive accent inspired this affectionate look at the accent of southwestern France – with a slight digression into celebrating Scouse and Kerry accents.
The best works here by the Englishman Jack Willis and the Scotsman Blair Kinghorn.
Little lesson in Toulouse… for Blair and Jack ❤🖤 thanks to #Mr_Prof @StadeToulousain et @Serge_Blanco pic.twitter.com/SVFUBV3yfn
— Toulouseins2Paris (@TOULOUSAINS2P) October 23, 2024
Entertainment of the week
THE Podcast on talking France is still on hiatus in Toussaint – will be back next week – but if you’re looking for entertainment I really enjoyed the book Metropolitan – An Ode to the Paris Metro by Andrew Martin.
It has many fascinating details, especially about the many excellent and unique subway stations. My best stations are; Porte des Lilas (because it has a secret film set), Arts et Métiers on line 11 (decorated to look like the inside of Captain Nemo’s submarine), Parmentier (a giant homage to the potato) and Bastille on line 1 which offers an unexpected and absolutely beautiful view, especially at sunset.
French sign of the week
I’d like to know the backstory to this sign in a French pharmacy that urges parents to hold their children’s hands and warns that unattended children will be sold for medical research.
Harsh but fair.
— Paulette (@paolette.bsky.social) October 30, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Interview between Time.news Editor and International Justice Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we delve into a significant topic—international justice—and I’m thrilled to have with us Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in international law and human rights. Recently, we witnessed the sentencing of a former doctor to 27 years in prison in France for his involvement in the Rwandan genocide. Dr. Carter, can you start by sharing your thoughts on this verdict?
Dr. Emily Carter (DEC): Thank you for having me. This sentencing is indeed a pivotal moment in international justice. It sends a strong message that those who commit heinous acts, even decades later, can and will be held accountable, regardless of where they are. France’s initiative to host a tribunal under an agreement with the International Criminal Court signifies its commitment to justice for victims of the Rwandan genocide.
TNE: It’s fascinating to see France take such a proactive stance. This isn’t an isolated case; I understand there have been other trials in France as well. Could you elaborate on why France has become a hub for these cases?
DEC: Absolutely. France has a unique legal framework allowing it to prosecute war crimes committed outside its borders, especially under international treaties. This approach reflects France’s outward-looking perspective on justice. The country sees itself as a “citizen of the world” and recognizes its role in ensuring that perpetrators cannot escape accountability simply because they relocated.
TNE: That’s an inspiring approach. With this ongoing focus on justice, do you think it might influence other nations, particularly those dealing with their own historical conflicts?
DEC: I believe it will. When countries like France take such firm stands, it encourages others to do the same. It creates a ripple effect where accountability becomes the norm rather than the exception. Nations will realize that neglecting justice can lead to a loss of international credibility, and countries may think twice before allowing war criminals to live freely among them.
TNE: Switching gears, I noticed an interesting cultural aspect related to accents in a recent piece about a video from the Toulouse rugby club, highlighting their foreign players trying to master the local accent. How do you think cultural initiatives, like this one, contribute to a broader understanding of international relations?
DEC: Cultural initiatives are incredibly important in fostering international understanding and cooperation. They serve as a humanizing force, allowing people to connect beyond their differences. By showcasing the quirks and nuances of local culture—like accents—it promotes a sense of community and belonging. When individuals from various backgrounds engage in light-hearted initiatives like this, it builds bridges and softens tensions that may exist due to political or historical conflicts.
TNE: That’s a great point. In closing, Dr. Carter, looking ahead, what do you foresee for the future of international justice?
DEC: I am cautiously optimistic. The trend of holding individuals accountable for past atrocities is gaining momentum. However, challenges remain, particularly in political will and resources needed to pursue justice effectively. If the international community bands together to support these initiatives, we could see a significant positive shift in how justice is served globally.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights. It’s been a pleasure having you with us today, and I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold in the realm of international justice.
DEC: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss these crucial issues.