Diane Shima Rwigara (R) and her mother Adeline Mukangemanyi Rwigara. Prosecution will appeal against their acquittal.
Rwanda’s Prosecutor General John Bosco Mutangana has announced that his office will appeal against the recent acquittal by the High Court of Diane Shima Rwigara, her mother Adeline Mukangemanyi Rwigara and co-accused.
On December 6 this year, the high court in Kigali acquitted Diane Shima Rwigara and Mukangemanyi Rwigara – more than a month after they had been released on bail.
The duo had been battling a court case where they were accused of inciting insurrection and sectarianism among others.
Diane Rwigara was accused of inciting insurrection and forgery while her mother Adeline Mukangemanyi Rwigara was being accused of propagating divisions or sectarianism.
Prosecution had asked for 22 years for Mukangemanyi and a fine of Rwf1 million and 15 years for her co-accused. For Diane Rwigara, prosecution had requested for 22 years and a fine of Rwf3 million.
Justice John Byakatonda and two other High Court judges ruled that the prosecution did not file evidences proving that both Diane Shima Rwigara, her mother and co-accused’ accusations qualify as crimes.
However, in a press conference at his office on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, Prosecutor General John Bosco Mutangana said that his office will appeal the acquittal of both Diane Shima Rwigara and her mother – citing that Prosecution was not satisfied by the ruling.
“We will file an appeal in the Appeals Court in the coming days,” Mutangana said.
Prosecutor General John Bosco Mutangana during a press conference today.
Mutangana told journalists that Prosecution had enough evidence to prove the delinquency of the duo which was disregarded by the High Court, saying Prosecution still has legally-provided 30 days to file an appeal case.
