English
Kinyarwanda
Rwanda National Police has strongly condemned those who stand in the way of others who wish to attend events marking the 21st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and warned them that they may face prosecution for such actions that seek to undermine the memory of those who perished in the Genocide.
The call was made in light of an incident that happened on April 10 in Kimihurura Sector, Gasabo District, where a man, Theoneste Gasongo, 39, threatened to assault his wife if she participated in a remembrance discussions held in the village.
The wife run to Police and reported him and he was immediately arrested. He is currently held at Remera Police Station as further investigations commence.
Other than negating the genocide, the suspect's threats to his wife also carry an element of gender-based violence, according to Central Region Police Spokesperson, Superintendent Modeste Mbabazi.
"Police will be alert against anyone who threatens another trying to prevent them from joining others in commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. All threats, and those that have an element of gender-based violence will be followed up closely and the suspects will be brought to justice," he said.
"Every resident has a right to participate in the countrywide discussions. If there is an individual or a group of people trying to prevent others and issuing threats of violence, they should be reported to Police as soon as possible through community policing in order to facilitate investigations."
Article 2 of the law No18/2008 of July 23, 2008, relating to the punishment of the crime of genocide ideology, defines genocide ideology as; an aggregate of thoughts characterized by conduct, speeches, documents and other acts aiming at exterminating or inciting others to exterminate people basing on ethnic group, origin, nationality, color, sex, language, religion or political opinion, committed in normal periods or during war.
This year's Commemoration is being held at village level and focuses on fight against Genocide Denial and negation, whereby citizens gather in all villages nationwide to reflect on the country's history, and discuss different genocide-related topics.
