Summary of Proceedings and Statements in the Case of Aimable Karasira

IN THE HIGH COURT OF RWANDA
Nyanza Judicial Chamber

On Wednesday, the accused, Aimable Karasira, commenced his defense on multiple charges, including genocide denial, incitement to public disorder, and failure to declare the source of his wealth, all of which are presently before this court.

The accused has formally denied all counts levied against him.

This trial is being conducted within the chambers of the High Court in Nyanza, located in the southern region of Rwanda.

The defendant, an artist and former faculty member of the University of Rwanda’s Department of Computer Science, gained notoriety through his activities on social media, notably YouTube.

Regarding the charge of justifying genocide, Mr. Karasira, maintaining composure and calm demeanor, refuted the prosecution’s interpretation of his statements. He clarified that the assertion attributed to him—that “the [Juvénal] Habyarimana government committed genocide in self-defense”—was a misrepresentation. He addressed the court directly, stating: “Let me tell the court the truth: I did not say that.”

Many of the accusations stem from his public interviews on YouTube, in which he discussed events related to the genocide. In particular, he was accused of suggesting that the assassination of President Habyarimana was the ‘trigger’ of the genocide. He acknowledged having used the term “imperator” in his discourse but emphasized that his sources included various texts, among them writings by General Roméo Dallaire, former Force Commander of UNAMIR in Rwanda. Mr. Karasira maintained he did not originate the term but borrowed it, with the intention of illustrating that the genocide was premeditated, not accidental.

The defendant expressed the view that the genocide was a profound and intentional act, citing observable signs of intense animosity towards the Tutsi and asserting that the attack on President Habyarimana’s plane served as the catalyst for the subsequent genocide.

Further, there is the accusation of genocide denial. His legal representatives argued that the prosecution has failed to produce conclusive evidence to substantiate this particular charge.

Lawyer Bruce Bikotwa, contended before the court: “The prosecution has solely resorted to interpreting the defendant’s statements on YouTube interviews. It is incumbent upon the prosecution to provide evidence of what the defendant intended to convey.”

The prosecution responded promptly, demanding the opportunity to present evidence that supports their accusations. The prosecutor stated: “Bring forth your evidence that contradicts the statements we have presented.”

The accused, aged 48, has been in detention since 2021. He faces charges not only of genocide denial and justification but also incitement to public disorder, fraud, and failure to declare the lawful source of his income. The proceedings are ongoing, and the court shall deliberate upon the matters presented.

End of Summary

With BBC