Ex-Rwandan military officer David Kabuye faces 15 years’ imprisonment for “spreading false news,” with intent to stir hate and revolt against the Kigali government, if found guilty.

During the hearing of the case, which resumed in the High Court in Kigali early this week, the prosecution informed the judge that Kabuye’s offences were committed with “intent and sound mind.”

“After knowing that the government of Rwanda placed an indefinite ban on the BBC over the film, Rwanda’s Untold Story, Captain Kabuye told some inmates [in Nyambege Prison] that the content of the film is true,” the prosecution led by Bonaventure Ruberwa said during his hearing.   

It added: “He also said that the bodies of people that were found in River Rweru in 2013 came from Rwanda. The prosecution argues that these rumours spread by Captain Kabuye were said with the aim of inciting hate against leaders of the country.”

READ: Rwanda, Burundi: Bodies in Lake Rweru not ours

Rearrested

The former military officer had been taken into custody in August last year for illegal possession of firearms. He served a six-month jail term.

Kabuye was rearrested in March on charges of inciting public insurrection.

The fresh charges were pressed days after he had completed the six-months jail term.

READ: Former Rwandan soldier rearrested after ending six-month jail term

Kabuye has denied the charges.

His defence team maintains he is not guilty, arguing that the prosecution witnesses are unreliable. 

Five prisoners from Nyarugenge Prison — where Kabuye served the sentence — accuse him of making inciting statements with the intention of causing “revolt” against Rwanda’s leadership.

Prisoners’ testimonies

“It is not understandable how the prosecution can rely on those prisoners’ testimonies yet some of them were found guilty of committing genocide crimes and don’t have some rights,” Kabuye’s defence lawyer, Gilbert Ndayambaje, told the High Court on Monday.

Retired Captain Kabuye is the husband of retired Lieutenant Colonel Rose Kabuye, who is the highest ranking woman to ever serve in Rwanda’s military, having formerly served as head of protocol for President Paul Kagame.

The couple was part of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPF) liberation struggle that ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 

His trial resumes on December 15.