On Thursday, 5 June 2025, Aimable Karasira, a former lecturer in computer science at the University of Rwanda turned outspoken musician and YouTuber, appeared before the High Council Chamber in Nyanza, where he is facing charges including “inciting insurrection or civil unrest.” In court, Karasira denied the prosecution’s accusations, insisting he had never encouraged violence, and even claimed he should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize rather than being prosecuted.
Wearing the standard orange prison uniform used in Rwanda, with glasses on, a bag full of books in his right hand, a jerrycan of water in his left, and a thermos of porridge, Karasira walked into the courtroom with mismatched shoes—one blue, one white—and long white socks.
The charges stem from several statements made by Karasira in his online videos, particularly on YouTube. The prosecution claims he said that “all top military officials in Rwanda are Ugandans” and called the government’s reconciliation programme, Ndi Umunyarwanda, a lie. Karasira argues that these statements were not falsehoods or calls to division, but reflections on historical realities and his own opinion.
His lawyer, Me Bruce Bikotwa, told the court that the prosecution is misrepresenting his client’s words and falsely attributing statements to him. Bikotwa explained that Karasira referred to high-ranking military officials who were Rwandan by origin but had lived in Uganda—he did not claim they were foreign nationals. He also pointed out that dual nationality is now legal in Rwanda, asking whether such statements could genuinely be considered divisive.
Karasira addressed the court himself, stating: “If I say Rwanda is led by foreigners, that would be a crime. But if I say some were once Ugandans because they lived there, how is that criminal?” He noted that all his videos remain publicly available on YouTube, and argued that if they were genuinely harmful, the authorities would have had them taken down.
Another defence lawyer, Me Félicien Gashema, questioned the court about the alleged consequences of Karasira’s videos. “What tangible unrest or public disorder came from these interviews?” he asked. He also mentioned that in 2024, President Kagame and the ruling RPF were re-elected with overwhelming support, showing that Karasira’s videos had no effect on national stability or public trust in government.
The prosecution, however, maintained that Karasira used divisive and inflammatory language. They cited remarks like “Rwanda is still shackled” and “They made us into an omelette; we became the sacrifice.” He also compared the current regime to that of former President Juvénal Habyarimana, saying the only difference was that the repression under Habyarimana was done openly.
Karasira also had to respond to allegations that he claimed positions in state institutions or beauty contests like Miss Rwanda were given based on physical features, including height. He confirmed having commented on these issues but denied making any blanket statements about favouritism toward taller individuals. “I was simply talking about what I observed—there’s nothing criminal in that,” he said.
When asked by the court to clarify his comment about height, Karasira cited a case in which a volunteer once told President Kagame he had been barred from joining the military for being too short. “Why isn’t that person on trial for sowing division?” he asked.
The hearing ended with the court announcing that proceedings will continue in the coming days. Karasira has been in detention since his arrest in May 2021. His supporters continue to argue that the trial is politically motivated. Karasira maintains that he is a whistleblower punished simply for speaking the truth.
Therwandan
