Findings
228. Based on the above, the African Commission on Human and Peoples':
i. Finds that the Republic of Rwanda has violated Article 9(2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights;
ii. Finds no violation of Articles 7(1) (b) and Article 7(2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights; and
iii. Finds that Rwanda's current laws which criminalize and stipulate custodial sentences for defamation and insults are in violation of the right to freedom of expression as protected by the African Charter;
iv. Requests the Republic of Rwanda to:
a) Amend its laws on defamation and insult to bring them in compliance with Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights by repealing custodial sentences for acts of defamation and insults, and ensuring that sanctions against defamation are necessary and proportionate to the legitimate aim served as guided by principles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, including reflecting the higher standard imposed in relation to public officials;
b) Pay adequate monetary compensation to the Complainants in accordance with the applicable domestic law for the violation of their rights as found by the Commission in paragraphs 209, 226 and 228 (i) and (ii) above; and
c) Inform the Commission of all measures taken to implement this decision within 180 days in line with Rule 112 (2) of the Commission's Rules of Procedure.
Done in Banjul, Republic of The Gambia, at the 65th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights held from 21 October - 10 November 2019
