In a ruling delivered on May 26, 2026, the High Court found that the appeal had no legal merit and also rejected the bail surety submitted by Semuhungu in an attempt to secure his release.
The appeal, which challenged the lower court’s decision on pre-trial detention, was heard on May 21, 2026, by the Nyarugenge High Court.
The proceedings were held in camera due to the sensitive nature of the case, which involved evidence deemed contrary to public morality, as well as concerns that the accused could face difficulties being tried in a public hearing.
Semuhungu Eric was arrested on April 9, 2026. On May 4, 2026, the Kicukiro Primary Court ruled that he should remain in provisional detention for 30 days, a decision he later appealed.
The court found sufficient evidence to continue holding him in custody on charges of forced sexual intercourse and dissemination of sexually explicit content. However, the allegation of blackmail was dismissed due to lack of supporting evidence.
Semuhungu drew significant media coverage in April 2024 following his deportation to Rwanda from the United States over similar sexual assault claims.
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