Reentry and Reintegration of People Convicted of Genocide

FAIN: FT-290917-23

Hollie Nyseth Nzitatira
Ohio State University (Columbus, OH 43210-1349)

Completion of a monograph on the post-prison reintegration of people convicted of genocide in Rwanda, based on interviews with 200 individuals both before and after being released from jail.

This book addresses the reentry and reintegration of people who were convicted of genocide. While much scholarship assesses the reentry and reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals, research has yet to analyze what happens when people labeled as genocidaires return to their communities. I interviewed 200 Rwandans before they left prison and twice after they returned home. I also conducted interviews with their spouses, as well as with 75 community members to assess how they view the return of people who were convicted of genocide. Findings highlight the importance of the location of blame and of rituals for people returning to their communities, as well as how aspects of social location (e.g., gender) shape the narratives of redemption available to people who were convicted of genocide. The project also provides important insights into the lived realities of people in societies recovering from genocide.