Statement on Decision of the Supreme Court

Kigali: The President of the Republic respects the independence of the judiciary and the recent Supreme Court decision to decriminalise the offences related to humiliation of public officials.

The President, however, takes issue with the decision to retain as criminal offences, insults or defamation against the Head of State, who is also a public official. His position has always been that this should be a civil not a criminal matter.

The President trusts that there will be further debate on this important matter. (End)