Huguka journalist acquitted of genocide ideology charges

Muhanga Intermediate Court on Monday acquitted Epaphrodite Habarugira, a local journalist, of genocide ideology charges.The court said prosecution failed to prove that Habarugira, a journalist with the Muhanga-based Huguka Radio, uttered statements harbouring genocide ideology during an April 22 morning news bulletin on the radio.The ruling lasted for only about five minutes. The court said the prosecution “failed to prove beyond all reasonable doubts the moral intentions of the journalist” to harbour genocide ideology. “Thus the court finds Habarugira not guilty and orders for his immediate release,” the presiding judge ruled.The defendant, clad in a pink uniform, white stockings and brown shoes, smiled as the verdict was being read.Outside the courtroom, Habarugira’s wife, relatives and friends jumped and hugged each other in the wake of the verdict, with tears of joy rolling down the cheeks of his wife, who was seen embracing her sister-in-law.During the trial, prosecution alleged that the journalist implied there was confusion between Genocide survivors and perpetrators.The journalist allegedly uttered a statement saying “the survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi claim they live in harmony with those who survived but those of Karama Parish in Huye District say they are not happy with the way they live since they have not located the remains of their relatives”. Prosecution construed the seemingly contradictory statement to be manifestation of genocide ideology.However, while presenting his final arguments, Habarugira told the court the confusion was unintended, blaming what he called extreme fatigue.The prosecution had requested for a six year jail term and a fine of Rwf200, 000. It was not immediately clear whether the prosecution would appeal.

National

Huguka journalist acquitted of genocide ideology charges