Politics
Rwandan YouTuber Rashid Hakuzimana Sentenced to 7 Years
Hakuzimana’s case underscores the persistent sensitivities surrounding the Rwandan genocide, which claimed the lives of around 800,000 people—mostly Tutsis and moderate Hutus—within a mere 100 days at the hands of Hutu extremists. Although the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), primarily composed of Tutsis, brought the genocide to an end, it has faced accusations from human rights organizations of carrying out retaliatory killings of Hutus during its rise to power—claims that the RPF-led government staunchly denies.
Rashid Hakuzimana, a Rwandan YouTuber, faces seven years in prison for genocide denial and inciting division, highlighting tensions in post-genocide Rwanda.
Rashid Hakuzimana, a prominent Rwandan YouTuber, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for violating the country’s laws on genocide denial.
The 56-year-old, who identifies as a Hutu, was arrested in 2021 and has consistently denied all charges against him.
These charges include inciting ethnic division and spreading false information by claiming that anyone who challenges President Paul Kagame in elections faces imprisonment.
Hakuzimana’s case highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding the Rwandan genocide, during which approximately 800,000 people, predominantly Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were killed in just 100 days by Hutu extremists.
The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), mainly comprised of Tutsis, ended the genocide but has faced accusations from human rights groups of retaliatory killings of Hutus as they took power—allegations the RPF-led government vehemently denies.
During his trial, the judge cited Hakuzimana’s YouTube remarks as incendiary, particularly his suggestion that genocide orphans received less care than children of senior government officials.
Such statements, the judge argued, contributed to fueling divisions within Rwandan society. “Your comments are not just opinions; they are divisive and harmful,” the judge stated.
Hakuzimana, who represented himself in court, refused to mount a defense, insisting he be addressed as a politician rather than a YouTuber.
He expressed frustration over his three years in jail, stating, “I’ve spent enough time behind bars for merely expressing my thoughts on my platform.”
Following the ruling, Hakuzimana will serve four years in prison, as the three years he has already spent in custody will be counted towards his sentence. He was also fined $700 (£500). It remains uncertain if he will appeal the decision.
Human rights organizations have criticized Kagame’s government for allegedly using genocide denial laws to suppress dissent, a claim the government denies.
In a notable instance from last year, another YouTuber, Yvonne Idamange, had her 15-year sentence extended by two years for inciting violence and spreading false information.
In court, Hakuzimana argued that his criticism of the government on his popular YouTube channel, Rashid TV, was the true reason for his arrest. “My videos were not about denying the genocide; they were about holding the government accountable,” he explained.
Under Rwandan law, it is a criminal offense to deny, downplay, or attempt to justify the genocide. Hakuzimana, who frequently appeared on Ishema TV and his own channel, had previously been warned by the Rwandan Investigation Bureau (RIB) to moderate his rhetoric but did not comply.
In one of his final videos, he controversially suggested scrapping the annual commemoration of the genocide, stating, “Hutus wronged the Tutsi, yes, but if you have forgiven someone, you don’t need to remind them every year that ‘you killed my people.’ That is not forgiveness; ‘Kwibuka’ should be scrapped off.”
Hakuzimana’s case underscores the complex and delicate nature of discussing Rwanda’s past, a legacy that continues to shape the nation’s political landscape today.
Keywords:Rashid Hakuzimana:Rwandan YouTuber:genocide denial:Paul Kagame:ethnic division