The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any case of genocide ideology,denial or negation.
The call comes after Police arrested a suspect on Sunday in Kavumu cell, Kaduha sector of Nyamagabe district for allegedly propagating genocide ideology.
The 29 years old suspect is alleged to have uttered statements that minimises the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi during the commemoration event.
As the commemoration event was underway in Kaduha sector, the suspect, who operates a bar, refused to attend the event and instead uttered statements to undermine the commemoration organized in the area .
The suspect is being held at Kaduha police station as investigations proceed.
Southern Province Police spokesperson, CSP Hubert Gashagaza said that although this is an isolated case, members of the public should be vigilant and report cases of genocide ideology.
“Cases of genocide ideology are common in April and May but this time of the year, they are isolated although we can’t afford to be reluctant about it,” Gashagaza said.
He farther added that; “we should all be reminded of effects of such genocidal related acts and collectively fight against them. Today, Rwanda is a model of unity and reconciliation – if we are to retain this status and also build a safe and secure society, we need to collectively work together with the public in countering genocide ideology and other crimes that undermine the well being of Rwandans.”
During the commemoration week running from April 07 to April 13, at least forty cases of genocide related crimes were registered, majority of which were registered in Eastern Province and the City of Kigali while the Northern Province had the least number.
Offences of genocide ideology during the commemoration week included assault on Genocide survivors or their property as well as uttering words that negate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Genocide ideology is punishable under the law No. 84/2013 of 11/09/2013.
It defines genocide ideology as a deliberate act, committed in public, whether orally, written or video or by any other means which may depict ethnic, religious, or racial bias with the aim of advocating for the commission of genocide or supporting genocide.
The law says that genocide ideology-related offences include incitement to commit genocide, negation of Genocide, minimisation of Genocide by downplaying its gravity or consequences, justifying Genocide, and concealment or destruction of evidence of Genocide or other crimes against humanity.
Genocide ideology-related offences also include theft or destruction of remains of victims of the Genocide, demolishing a memorial site or cemetery for the victims of the Genocide, and violence against a Genocide survivor.
The penal code states that any person who commits the crime of genocide ideology and other related offences shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of between five and nine years and a fine of between Rwf100,000 and Rwf1,000,000, or both.
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