A French court found author Charles Onana guilty of downplaying the Rwandan genocide, fining him €8,400 and his publisher €5,000. They must also pay €11,000 in compensation to human rights organizations. The court ruled that Onana's writings violated laws against genocide denial, stating France would not tolerate denialists. Rwanda's Foreign Minister welcomed the conviction as a landmark decision. Critics claim Onana's book distorts historical facts, while his lawyer argues it is based on extensive research. Both Onana and his publisher are appealing the verdict.