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Md. prof accused of genocide in Rwanda arrested
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-06 09:26

TOWSON, Md. -- US immigration officials have arrested a Maryland college professor accused of genocide in his home country of Rwanda.

Rwandan professor Leopold Munyakazi poses for a portrait, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009 at his home in Towson, Md. Munyakazi, who taught French at Goucher College, was recently removed from teaching after the school became aware he was wanted in his home country on genocide charges. [Agencies]

Leopold Munyakazi (moon-yah-KAH'-zee) taught French at Goucher College, north of Baltimore, until the school learned he was wanted in Rwanda and suspended him with pay.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency says it arrested Munyakazi Tuesday and he is accused of overstaying his visa.

A spokesman for the immigration service says the agency didn't rush to arrest him because of the genocide accusations.

But Munyakazi said Thursday that he believes they were under pressure from the Rwandan government.

According to a copy of an indictment provided by Munyakazi, he is charged with murder and several genocide-related counts. The accusations stem from 1994, when more than a half-million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in Rwanda.