Joy over release of three Rwanda journalists

Journalists and rights groups have voiced their joy over the acquittal of three journalists who had been in jail for four years without trial over allegedly inciting insurrection, publishing unoriginal statements or pictures, and spreading rumours charges.

“It is joy for us that they finally get justice. But efficient justice is one delivered timely,” their lawyer Jean Paul Ibambe told the BBC.

“We wish people are granted right to bail, and once jailed be tried on time so they don’t suffer injustice,” Mr Ibambe added.

Human Rights Watch has criticised the court for “failure to stop this sham of a trial earlier on”.

The judge said the prosecution did not present enough evidence against the journalists – Mutuyimana Jean Damascène, Nshimiyimana Jean Baptiste and Niyonsenga Shadrack – who have been in jail since 2018, and ordered their release.

The prosecution has 30 days to appeal against the court’s decision.

By BBC