Media council issues journalists stern warning

Rwanda Media commission (RMC) has warned journalists to stick to professionalism and ethical standards. The warning was sounded by RMC chairman Fred Muvunyi, during a press conference where he discusses the plight of two journalists who are currently under police custody. Cassien Ntamuhanga a journalist at Amazing Grace Radio was arrested over allegations of working with a terrorists group to destabilise the country while Stanley Gatera was arrested and released yesterday over suspicion of soliciting bribes worth Rwf300,000. Gatera’s case was handed over to Rwanda Media Commission to handle. “Do what you’re supposed to do as journalists and avoid involving in other issues that are not related to your profession,” Muvunyi told journalists. He also mentioned the case of Cassien Ntamuhanga, whom he said that after gathering more information, RMC discovered that the suspect was not arrested over matters connected to his journalism profession. “RMC takes this opportunity to remind the media fraternity that the media-self regulation body does not take responsibility for crimes committed by journalists outside the profession,” Muvunyi said The chairman of the media self regulatory body further clarified on rumors that John William Ntwari, another local journalist, had gone missing, however, it was later discovered he had travelled to Uganda on personal business.