Kicukiro Primary Court has taken the decision on the request of the Prosecution.
As the hearing began, the Prosecutor requested the session be held behind closed doors for security of witnesses and abused victims.
Ishimwe has however maintained that the hearing should not be held behind closed doors because his arrest and faced charges were made public.
Ishimwe said that he should be granted his rights in the court case by having proceedings held in camera.
His defence lawyer also objected that the request of the Prosecution has other motives behind not for the sake of witnesses’ security. She revealed that the Prosecution’s reasons pushed forward should be ignored on the basis of being unfounded.
She further explained that her client cannot threaten security of witnesses because he is arrested.
After hearing both sides, the presiding judge ruled in favour of holding the session in camera and asked the crowd including journalists to step out for the hearing session to continue.
Ishimwe, the CEO of Rwanda Inspiration Backup which organizes Miss Rwanda beauty pageant was arrested recently accused of sexual abuse.
He faces three charges including rape, soliciting or offering sexual favours, and harassment connected to sexual relations.
Leave a Reply