The verdict in Karasira's case was delivered on September 30, 2025. The court ruled that he was guilty of one of the several charges he faced.
Karasira had originally been charged with multiple offenses, including denying and justifying the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, inciting public division, and spreading false information. Prosecutors said the alleged offenses were committed through his YouTube channel at various times.
He was also accused of money laundering and failing to explain the source of his wealth, including cash seized from him and funds held in his bank and mobile money accounts.
The prosecution had asked the court to convict Karasira on all charges and sentence him to 30 years in prison.
During the trial, Karasira apologized to those who were hurt by his comments on YouTube, saying he never intended to spread hatred or deny the country's tragic history.
Regarding the seized funds, prosecutors argued that the money came from individuals and groups opposed to the Rwandan government, who were supporting his public statements.
Karasira, however, said the money included severance pay from his former employer, the University of Rwanda, where he once worked, as well as donations from well-wishers. He added that he had no dependents and thus had been saving his income.
After reviewing arguments from both sides, the court sentenced Karasira to five years in prison and ordered the release of his seized property.
Karasira was arrested in May 2021 and has been detained at Nyarugenge Prison since then. Having already served four years, he now has less than one year left to complete his sentence â€" about eight months remaining until his expected release on May 30, 2026.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/justice/article/aimable-karasira-sentenced-to-five-years-in-prison
