Rwandan YouTube content creator sentenced to prison



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Rwanda’s High Court sentenced a woman to 15 years in prison after finding her guilty of criticizing the way the 1994 genocide is commemorated, calling for protests and spreading rumors of the president’s death.

Yvonne Idamange has denied the accusations.

She was arrested in February after posting YouTube videos in which she strongly criticized the government.

His long monologues exasperated the Rwandan authorities who do not take criticism lightly.

The 42-year-old accused the government of monetizing the 1994 genocide and said the remains of the victims should not be displayed in memorials.

The mother of four also denounced the response to the coronavirus pandemic and stressed the impact that the lockdowns have had on the poor.

Human Rights Watch said Ms. Idamange’s trial – behind closed doors – was designed to intimidate anyone considering voicing critical, sensitive or controversial views.

The group said the 15-year prison sentence was part of a wider crackdown on freedom of expression in Rwanda.



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