Re MUNYEMANA

Re MUNYEMANA

The Supreme Court held that the challenged provisions do not violate constitutional guarantees of equality, non-discrimination, or due process. The gravity and societal impact of child defilement justify harsher penalties compared to other offences. The applicant failed to demonstrate any arbitrary or unjustified...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RLR V.1-2025
Parties
Applicant: Munyemana Dionize; Respondent: Leta y’u Rwanda (State of Rwanda); Amicus Curiae: Certa Foundation
Court
Supreme Court
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
16 February 2024
Case Number
RS/INCONST/SPEC 00001/2023/SC
Procedural Posture
Constitutional Petition / Final Judgment
Outcome
petition dismissed
Legal Topics
Equality Before the Law, Non Discrimination, Proportionality of Punishment, Child Protection, Sexual Offences, Due Process
Source Language
rw
Constitutional Law Criminal Law Human Rights Law Equality Before the Law Non Discrimination Proportionality of Punishment Child Protection Sexual Offences +1 more

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Parties

Munyemana Dionize

Applicant

Leta y’u Rwanda (State of Rwanda)

Respondent

Certa Foundation

Amicus Curiae

Procedural Posture

Constitutional Petition / Final Judgment

  1. 1 Whether article 14(2),(3),(4) of Law Nº 059/2023 amending Law Nº 68/2018 on offences and penalties is unconstitutional for violating equality, non-discrimination, and due process rights under articles 15, 16, and 29 of the Constitution.

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court held that the challenged provisions do not violate constitutional guarantees of equality, non-discrimination, or due process. The gravity and societal impact of child defilement justify harsher penalties compared to other offences. The applicant failed to demonstrate any arbitrary or unjustified discrimination or disproportionality. The law provides for judicial discretion in sentencing, including mitigation for extenuating circumstances. Comparative and international law support the approach taken. Therefore, the petition lacked merit.

Court Disposition

petition dismissed

Orders

  • The petition of Munyemana Dionize is dismissed for lack of merit.
  • Article 14(2),(3),(4) of Law Nº 059/2023 amending Law Nº 68/2018 is declared consistent with articles 15, 16, and 29 of the Constitution.