Fatakumavuta Appeals Conviction, Seeks Reduced Sentence

The lower court convicted him on June 13, 2025, of three offences: blackmail through threats of defamation, spreading false information, and illegal drug use. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison and fined Rwf1.3 million.

Unhappy with the ruling, Fatakumavuta appealed, arguing that his sentence should be reduced or suspended, citing his rehabilitation since being incarcerated at Mageragere Prison.

The appeal hearing took place on July 17, 2026, where he was represented by Me Bayisabe Irene.

Defence Seeks Reduced or Suspended Sentence

Fatakumavuta asked the court to reduce his sentence. His lawyer, Me Bayisabe Irene, requested that the court reduce the fine by 75% and cut the prison sentence by half, leaving him to serve one year.

Prosecution Opposes the Appeal

The prosecutor argued that the original sentence had already taken mitigating circumstances into account and was therefore lighter than the maximum punishment provided by law.

The prosecution also pointed out that Fatakumavuta denied the charges during his trial, arguing that his admission of wrongdoing at the appeal stage should not be given significant weight because it introduced new arguments that had not been raised before the trial court.

Regarding the request for a suspended sentence, the prosecutor maintained that there was no legal basis for granting it. He said that although Fatakumavuta suffers from diabetes, prisoners are entitled to medical care while in custody and can be referred to public or private hospitals whenever necessary.

The prosecutor further noted that one of the offences for which Fatakumavuta was convicted was cannabis use, arguing that continued imprisonment was necessary to prevent him from reoffending.

He added that Fatakumavuta was aware of his diabetic condition but still chose to use cannabis, meaning his illness should not be considered as a mitigating factor.

The prosecution therefore asked the High Court to dismiss the appeal and uphold both the sentence and the fine imposed by the lower court.

Fatakumavuta Cites Rehabilitation and Health Concerns

Addressing the court, Fatakumavuta asked the judges to consider the medical documents confirming his diabetes.

He admitted that he had made professional mistakes during his journalism career, saying that when journalists make errors, they are expected to publish corrections.

To demonstrate his rehabilitation, he told the court that he currently represents 75% of the youth inmates at Mageragere Prison, arguing that such responsibility would not have been entrusted to someone who had not reformed.

He also stressed that managing diabetes requires specialised medication and close medical supervision, adding that accessing adequate healthcare in prison has been challenging.

Defence Refers to Previous Court Precedent

Me Bayisabe Irene urged the court to consider a previous case involving Kantengwa, in which an inmate sought release to receive medical treatment.

He reminded the court that it has the authority either to reduce a sentence or to suspend it.

The defence lawyer further argued that Rwandan law allows a defendant to express remorse and seek forgiveness at any stage of criminal proceedings. He said that where an accused person admits responsibility and apologises, the court may impose a lighter sentence or suspend imprisonment.

Unless his appeal succeeds, Fatakumavuta is expected to complete his prison sentence in March 2027.

Judgment Reserved

The High Court will deliver its judgment on September 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.