Intent to Deceive: Denying the Genocide of the Tutsi

The book Intent to Deceive explores how the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide of the Tutsi in Rwanda have waged a campaign to deny the crime and blame the victims. It reveals how disinformation was an integral part of their genocidal conspiracy and how they have continued to peddle falsehoods to new and receptive audiences, fooling journalists and academics. The book is a testament to the survivors who still live the horrors of the past and calls for justice that remains perpetually delayed.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2020
Publisher: Verso Books

Twenty-five years have passed since the tragic genocide of the Tutsi people in Rwanda, during which over 1 million individuals were brutally slaughtered over a period of three dreadful months. In the years that have followed, the perpetrators of this heinous crime have engaged in a relentless campaign to deny and obfuscate the truth. They have attempted to falsify history, shifting blame onto the victims and propagating false narratives to excuse their actions. Facts have been twisted, fake news has spread, and pseudoscience has been given undue credence.

Intent to Deceive delves into the origins of this campaign of genocide denial, shedding light on the individuals who planned and executed the massacres. Through exclusive access to government archives, including those in Rwanda, author Linda Melvern provides a comprehensive account of how the killers seized power and set out to distort the reality of events. Disinformation played a central role in their genocidal conspiracy, serving as a tool to manipulate public opinion and obscure the truth.

Despite the passage of time, the perpetrators and their supporters continue to spread falsehoods and misinformation. They have found new audiences, including gullible journalists and unsuspecting academics, who have been duped by their seemingly convincing research methods. The Rwandan génocidaires remain a threat, particularly to those who may be unaware of the true nature of their crimes.

This book serves as a poignant testament to the survivors who continue to bear the scars of the past. The denial of this genocide perpetuates the greatest offense and ensures that the crime continues to haunt the lives of those affected. It is a call for justice that has remained perpetually delayed, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and truth to be brought to light.

As we reflect on the past and the ongoing struggle for justice, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to confront the darkness of genocide denial. We must remember the victims and honor their memory by working tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that the truth is finally revealed. Only then can we hope to heal the wounds and build a more inclusive and peaceful world for future generations.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 251 x 158 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788733281