On Thursday, Rwandan prosecutors requested a 30-year prison sentence for Aimable Karasira, a former lecturer at the University of Rwanda, who is facing multiple charges including genocide justification, inciting division, and failing to disclose the legal origin of large sums of money found in his possession. During the final hearing, Karasira was given the floor and issued an apology to the Rwandan public and anyone who may have been hurt by his words, while maintaining his innocence.
Karasira, a well-known online personality critical of the Rwandan government, has been in detention since 2021. His case has drawn significant attention within the country. He began formally defending himself earlier this year, rejecting all the charges brought against him.
According to the prosecution, Karasira used his YouTube channel to spread messages that justified the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, promoted public unrest, and sowed division among Rwandans. Authorities also accused him of failing to explain the source of substantial amounts of cash discovered in his possession: 14 million Rwandan francs, 17,520 euros, and 10,000 U.S. dollars. Additional funds were found in multiple bank accounts under his name.
The prosecution claims that the money was sent by individuals abroad opposed to the Rwandan government who supported Karasira’s views. Prosecutors have asked the court to confiscate the money and transfer it to the Rwandan state. In addition to the prison term, the prosecution is seeking a fine of 52 million Rwandan francs, 32,000 U.S. dollars, and 17,000 euros—amounting to a total of nearly 130 million Rwandan francs.
Karasira’s legal team criticised the prosecution for introducing new evidence on the final day of the trial. They reiterated that their client is not guilty and expressed confidence in the court’s final decision.
In his closing remarks, Karasira said: “To anyone who may have been hurt by my words, and to the Rwandan people as a whole, I ask for forgiveness.” He stated that he was doing so “to find peace of mind,” and made it clear that he had no intention of promoting division or denying the genocide.
“I fully understand the consequences the genocide has had on my own life,” he said, adding that he would accept the ruling of the court, whatever it may be.
The verdict is expected to be delivered on 30 September 2025.
Therwandan
