Rwanda Case Law

RLR V. 2- 2025

Court

Supreme Court

Article 81, paragraph one, of Law no 22/2018 is not inconsistent with the Constitution, as it lawfully confers jurisdiction on the court where contempt occurs and does not violate the right to appear before a competent court or the principle against self-judging. However, paragraph two of Article 81, which allows immediate punishment for contempt of court without informing the accused of the charges or allowing defence and legal representation, is inconsistent with Article 29(1)(a) of the Constitution. The Court ordered that Article 81 be supplemented to require that the accused be informed o…

Source excerpt

• Due process of law
• Contempt of court
• Presumption of innocence
• Right to appeal
• Judicial independence
• Public hearings

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Re MIRONKO

Court

Supreme Court

Case number

RS/INCONST/SPEC00005/2023/SC

Article 81, paragraph one, of Law no 22/2018 is not inconsistent with the Constitution regarding jurisdiction, right to appear before a competent court, right to appeal, public hearings, or prohibition of self-judging. However, Article 81, paragraph two, is inconsistent with Article 29(1)(a) of the Constitution as it denies the accused the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the charge, the right to defence, and the right to legal representation. The unconstitutional portion is declared without effect and replaced with a procedure ensuring these rights.

Source excerpt

• Due process
• Contempt of court
• Right to fair trial
• Judicial independence
• Public hearings
• Right to legal representation

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Re BYANSI (FOND)

Court

Supreme Court

Case number

RS/INCONST/SPEC 00003/2021/SC

The Supreme Court of Rwanda upheld a rule requiring 48-hour advance authorization for courtroom audio and video recording, finding it compatible with press freedom.

• Freedom of press
• Access to information
• Audio and video recording in court
• Public hearings
• Privacy
• Limitations on fundamental rights

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