KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) – Rwanda’s Supreme Court has upheld a law that says defaming the president is illegal, but it says drawing cartoons or producing writing that “humiliates” a government official is no longer a crime.
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The Rwanda Journalists
Association had challenged parts of the penal code that criminalized the
publishing of such cartoons with punishment of up to four years in
prison.
A three-judge panel decided the provisions contravene freedom of expression.
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The
association’s executive secretary, Gonza Muganwa, welcomed the ruling,
telling The Associated Press it removes a major obstacle to press
freedom in the East African nation.
Defaming the president remains illegal, with a punishment of five to seven years in prison and a fine.
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Source: AP
