February 23 - March 1, 2015

Terror trial with Kizito Mihigo: Sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years in jail

Private but pro-government newspapers

New Times, 28th February 2015

“‘Mihigo handed ten-year jail term, co-accused acquitted” by Edwin Musoni

• The High Court in Kigali has sentenced singer Kizito Mihigo to 10 years in jail for crimes of formation of a criminal gang, conspiracy against the established government or the President and conspiracy to murder.
• Prosecution had asked for a life sentence, but considering that he pleaded guilty and prayed for pardon, the court has reduced his sentence to 10 years. “The court also did not find sufficient proof implicating Kizito on the crime of complicity in a terrorist act,” said Judge Claire Bukuba.
  
• One of three other co-accused Agnès Niyibizi was found not guilty on all charges levelled against her and was acquitted.
  
• Cassien Ntamuhanga, a journalist with Amazing Grace Radio, was found guilty of formation of a criminal gang, conspiracy against the established government or the President and complicity in a terrorist act but not guilty on the crime of conspiracy to murder. The court sentences him to 25 years in jail.
  
• Jean-Paul Dukuzumuremyi, a former soldier, was sentenced to 30 years in jail mainly on recidivism considering that he had previously been charged with similar crimes while still in the military.
  
• Prosecution said they all plotted to assassinate government and security officials. Kizito Mihigo admitted to working with the FDLR and RNC. Both FDLR and RNC have been linked to a series grenade attacks in the country.