Former ICTR Judge Lennart Aspegren has passed away

It is with deep sadness that the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals has learned of the passing of Judge Lennart Aspegren of Sweden, former Judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Judge Aspegren passed away at the age of 94 at his home in Stockholm in May 2026. 

Judge Aspegren was sworn in as a Judge of the ICTR in 1995 and notably served as part of the Trial Chamber in the case of Prosecutor v. Jean-Paul Akayesu, which delivered the first conviction for genocide to be entered by an international tribunal. This landmark judgement broke new ground in establishing a detailed and authoritative interpretation of the crime of genocide, including by recognising that rape can constitute genocide.

Prior to joining the ICTR, Judge Aspegren had a distinguished career in law and human rights both domestically and internationally. After beginning his legal career in 1958, he served as a Judge at various courts in Sweden, including as Judge of the Svea Court of Appeal. He also served, inter alia, as Legal Advisor to the Swedish Government, including as Permanent Under-Secretary for Legal Affairs in different Ministries and Legal Director at the Ministry of Finance. In addition, he was a consultant to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the International Labour Organization, and the United Nations Development Programme. In 2011, he served on the United Nations committee of independent experts on the Gaza conflict.

Judge Aspegren was deeply admired by colleagues and staff not only for his invaluable contributions to international criminal justice and human rights, but also for his dedication and the energy he brought to everything he did. Judge Aspegren will be remembered for his rare combination of principle and practical skill, his devotion to the cause of peaceful coexistence, and his genuine warmth and kindness.