The Rwanda National Police has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any case of genocide ideology, denial or negation that may arise in their communities. The call comes after Police arrested a man on Sunday in Kavumu cell, Kaduha Sector of Nyamagabe District for allegedly propagating genocide ideology. The 29-year-old suspect is alleged to have uttered statements that minimise the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, during a Genocide commemoration event. As the commemoration event was underway in Kaduha Sector, the suspect, who operates a bar, refused to attend the event and instead allegedly uttered statements that undermine the commemoration. The suspect, whose name police refused to disclose, is being held at Kaduha police station as investigations continue. 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 normally common in April and May, but around this time of the year, they are isolated although we can’t afford to be reluctant about it,” Gashagaza said. He added that; “we should all be reminded of the effects of such genocidal related acts and utterances 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 national commemoration week from April 07 to April 13, at least forty cases of genocide related crimes were registered, the majority of which were registered in Eastern Province and the City of Kigali, while the Northern Province recorded 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 of the Penal Code. It 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.
