Forgiveness-Seeking Behaviors Among Incarcerated Rwandan Genocide Perpetrators

• In Event: Innovative Mixed Methods Approaches in the Study of Reentry

Abstract

The ability to forgive is considered to be the highest moral virtue and can aid healing in the restorative justice process. Less attention has been given to the role of forgiveness-seeking behaviors as perpetrators attempt to make amends. Utilizing survey data from 302 male and female prisoners incarcerated in the Rwandan Correctional System for the crime of genocide, and semi-structured interviews with 75 perpetrators, this mixed methods study explores génocidaires’ attitudes towards apology, forgiveness and reconciliation and their experiences of genocide-related posttraumatic stress. Higher levels of posttraumatic stress were strongly correlated with desires to reconcile. Notions of forgiveness were central to attitudes towards reconciliation and successful reintegration, reflecting national policies promoting radical forgiveness, and personal journeys of post-genocide recovery. The perceived challenges of successful community unity and post-incarceration reintegration were explored. Reconnection with children, rebuilding destroyed homes, and resolving land disputes were perceived to be immediate challenges. Over the longer term, génocidaires desired to reach the level of development of the wider Rwandan society, utilize modern farming techniques learned in prison, and work together to build a stronger, peaceful Rwanda.

Authors

• Kevin Barnes-Ceeney, University of New Haven

• Lior Gideon, John Jay College of Criminal Justice