Rwandan lawyer moves to court to challenge new penal code

Rwandan lawyer Richard Mugisha. He has moved to court seeking repeal of provisions of the new penal code. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NMG

A Rwandan lawyer has moved to court seeking repeal of provisions of the new penal code that criminalise “insulting the president” as well as cartoons and drawings that humiliate public officials.

Richard Mugisha, a seasoned lawyer, on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that the penal code, published in October, is unconstitutional and contravened international charters that protect freedom of expression.