Rwanda Case Law

RLR V. 1- 2025

Court

Supreme Court

The Court held that the challenged provisions do not violate the Constitution. It found that the principle of equality before the law and non-discrimination does not require identical penalties for different offences, especially when the nature and impact of the offences differ. The Court determined that the gravity of child defilement and its profound impact on victims and society justify severe penalties, and that such penalties are proportionate and consistent with international standards. The Court further held that due process is not violated, as the law allows for judicial discretion in…

Source excerpt

• Equality before the law
• Non-discrimination
• Proportionality of penalties
• Child defilement
• Due process

Read case analysis

PROSECUTION v. GAHIGI

Court

High Court

Case number

RPA 0101/13/HC/NYA

The High Court dismissed both appeals, holding that the prosecution’s appeal was not inadmissible for lack of submissions and that the evidence supported the conviction.

• Appeal admissibility
• Hearsay evidence
• Sentencing of juveniles
• Proportionality of penalties
• Criminal-appeal
• Appeal-admissibility

Read case analysis