The court determined that Fatakumavuta's statements amounted to acts of defamation, leading to a conviction for inciting defamation. This offense is punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of Frw 300,000.
In addition, the court found that Fatakumavuta had violated the law by spreading false information. His actions were deemed a breach of the legal provisions that criminalize the dissemination of false rumors, which is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of Frw 1,000,000.
The court also ruled that Fatakumavuta exceeded the legally prescribed limits for drug use, resulting in a conviction for drug abuse. Despite his denial, this offense carries a penalty of one year in prison.
Fatakumavuta's request for a re-examination of his drug levels was rejected, as he failed to provide valid reasons or evidence to challenge the expert report submitted by the Prosecutor's Office.
Regarding a charge of discrimination, the court found insufficient evidence to support it. The statement Fatakumavuta made about Bahati's wife being poor was deemed not discriminatory. The court concluded that the remark did not show ill intent or malice.
Furthermore, the charge of public insult was dismissed, with the court ruling that Fatakumavuta's comment, 'The Ben likes to cry like a child,' did not meet the criteria for public insult. The judge clarified that this comment did not constitute an insult.
The court explained that, in theory, Fatakumavuta could have received a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of Frw 1,300,000 due to the cumulative nature of his crimes.
However, because Fatakumavuta acknowledged some of the offenses, the court applied mitigating factors, resulting in a reduced sentence.
In light of these factors, Fatakumavuta was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and a fine of Frw 1,300,000. He was informed that he has 30 days to appeal the decision.
Fatakumavuta was arrested on October 18, 2024, and is currently serving his sentence at Nyarugenge Prison. The eight months he has already spent in detention will be deducted from his sentence.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/justice/article/fatakumavuta-sentenced-to-two-and-a-half-years-in-prison
