Akayesu (Jean-Paul Akayesu)

Jean-Paul Akayesu is a Rwandan politician who became widely known as the first individual convicted by an international court for genocide. He served as a mayor during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, during which hundreds of thousands of Tutsi and moderate Hutu were murdered. In 1998, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda found him guilty of inciting, inciting violence, and crimes against humanity, establishing important legal precedents for addressing genocide and prosecuting leaders responsible for atrocities. His case highlighted the importance of accountability for political leaders in such crimes and helped shape international justice efforts.