Justice on the Grass: Three Rwandan Journalists, Their Trial for War Crimes and a Nation's Quest for Redemption

by Dina Temple-Raston

An examination of the 1994 Rwanda genocide traces the nation's subsequent search for accountability and the war crimes trial of three prominent media executives who were found guilty of inciting the killings of more than 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu. 40,000 first printing.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Rwanda, Africa, War, Journalism

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 9, 2005

About the author

Dina Temple-Raston is a Belgian-born American journalist and award-winning author. She is the creator, host, and correspondent of the podcast "What Were You Thinking,"

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most interesting book I have read about the genocide. Explains the history in a way that makes sense to the lay person. Very interesting analysis of the importance of media and what it can do.

[Ryan Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting perspective on the media and its role on the genocide, specifically Radjo Mille Collines (RTLM) and Kangura. One interesting focus was the comparison between Kangura’s depiction of Tutsis and German depictions of Jewish people prior to the holocaust. A lot of this is relevant to times today and the media’s bias during contemporary international conflict. While less about the media, the book also focused on the tribunal system post-genocide and the possible justice provided but with obvious flaws. It also provided a more evenhanded outlook as the writer included discussed on possible retribution and mass killings on Hutus by Tutsis on their way to power and the lack of justice on this as directed by Kagame and the Rwandan government. I could be wrong but it seems like this book may have been a potential source for the movie Sometimes in April as many of the topics in the book are discussed in the film.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides a good general overview of the Rwandan genocide. Focuses on the media trial in the ICTR after the genocide. I enjoyed her writing style-might have preferred if it didn't bounce so much back and forth (for educational purposes).

[Abby Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

really informative but focused a lot on media/speech which I didn’t love

[Julie Birtcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great timeline of the events leading up to the Rwandan genocide in 1994. It explores the influence media had on the devastating events. It explores the mindset of the Hutus and the Tutsis giving an insight into the reasons behind their actions. This is the book that made me want to understand more about why people do the things they do. This book greatly influenced my decision to go into social work.

[Camille Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning about this part of a sad and difficult history, as well as cultural aspects. it is a complex and difficult situation and the author handles the issue of genocide and hate well, bringing a journalistic, storytelling aspect that lets the information unfold on its own.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite an interesting book. It was interesting to learn about the role of the media in the Rwandan genocide and how the trials following began to set a precedent for future international court trials.

[Gwyneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting book about the media and the Rwanda genocide. Written in a very narrative style that was easy and engaging to read.