{{French court paves way for pair accused of 1994 massacre to be tried at home, though they could still challenge verdict.}}
A French appeals court has approved the extradition of two Rwandans wanted at home for their alleged role in the 1994 genocide against Tutsis.
The ruling on Claude Muhayimana, 52, a French citizen since 2010, and Innocent Musabyimana, 41, is not final and can still be challenged.
Although countries such as Canada and Norway have extradited genocide suspects, France has so far refused to do so.
But it has sent some to Tanzania to face trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
The two men’s case will now go up to a higher court for a final ruling after their lawyer, Philippe Meilhac, signalled his intention to appeal.
If the extradition is approved, France would still have to sign an extradition treaty with Rwanda for the pair to be sent back.
The head of the appeals court, Jean Bertholin, told the men their “lives will not be in danger if you return to your country and you will be guaranteed a fair trial”.
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