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Two owners of cinema halls in Kamonyi District were arrested on Friday after Police and local leaders found 11 minors inside watching movies.
Those arrested are Jean Bosco Habiyaremye, 35, and Radjab Dushimimana, 24, with movie halls in Musambira trading centre.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajemahoro, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said the children aged between 13 and 17, had abandoned classes that afternoon to go and watch movies.
"It was a market day and this is when Habiyaremye and Dushimimana show movies. There was information that children in nearby schools abandon classes to go for movies especially when it's a market day. Indeed, when Police and local leaders went there, they found 11 children during the time when they were supposed to be at school," CIP Twajamahoro said.
Eight children were found in Dushimimana's movie hall while three others were in Habiyaremye’s hall.
Cinema owners are called to avoid obstructing children's education and giving them access into movie showing areas.
“Admitting minors into cinema halls is unlawful and more so if it's done in such hours when they're supposed to be at school. People should also know that there are some movies that are not supposed to be watched or showed to children. Unfortunately, these children were found watching movies only meant for adults," said CIP Twajamahoro.
He said that operations against child abuse are continuous and warned anyone that exposes children to harmful activities and behaviours.
The law defines a child as anyone below 18 years.
"Habiyaremye and Dushimimana were looking at their interests without considering the future of these minors, whom they had denied education. Such actions can contribute to school dropout and influence children to inappropriate and criminal behaviours."
