Former Rwandan diplomat Eugène Richard Gasana has been found liable for sexual assault by a jury in Manhattan, New York, and ordered to pay $5 million in damages to plaintiff Benita Uruhisho.
The verdict was delivered on Thursday, May 7, 2026, following years of legal proceedings in a closely watched civil lawsuit. Gasana previously served as Rwanda’s ambassador to the United Nations and once chaired the UN Security Council, making the case particularly high-profile.
Lawyers representing Uruhisho said the jury concluded that Gasana had raped their client. They described the ruling as an important victory for survivors of violence and praised Uruhisho for showing “extraordinary courage” throughout the lengthy court battle.
According to the legal team, the trial was emotionally difficult, alleging that Gasana’s defense attempted to discredit Uruhisho and intimidate potential witnesses. The lawyers said the verdict sends a strong message that even powerful individuals can be held accountable for their actions.
They also noted that while no court decision can erase the trauma suffered by the victim, the judgment represents an important step toward justice after years of persistence and emotional hardship.
The case was handled as a civil lawsuit, meaning the jury ruled on liability and financial compensation rather than criminal punishment. By the time the verdict was announced, Gasana and his lawyers had not publicly commented on the decision.
Gasana’s diplomatic career had already ended abruptly in 2016 when the Rwandan government recalled him from his post as permanent representative to the United Nations. At the time, the government did not publicly explain the reasons for his recall.
