Maria Kisito

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Maria Kisito: a short, easy-to-understand summary

Maria Kisito, born Julienne Mukabutera on June 22, 1964, is a Rwandan Benedictine nun who was found guilty for her role in the killings that occurred at a convent where thousands of people sought safety during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. She was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Her mother superior, Gertrude Mukangango, received 15 years. Prosecutors had asked for life sentences for both women and two men who were on trial with them. Witnesses said the nuns helped direct death squads and even provided gasoline to burn down the building with civilians inside. Kisito served about half of her sentence in a Belgian prison and was released in June 2007.

Testimony from the trial describes a terrifying moment: on April 22, 1994, refugees hid in a garage when militia fighters attacked a convent in Sovu, southern Rwanda. The refugees were trapped as the militia set the garage on fire. A witness testified that Sister Gertrude and Sister Kisito were present, with Kisito carrying a petrol can, and that the nuns helped burn the building.

Notes from the case indicate it drew international attention and remains controversial.