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Criminal Law

Genocide Ideology

Kinyarwanda: Ingengabitekerezo ya jenoside

Definition

A criminal offense in Rwanda involving attitudes, behaviors, or expressions that promote ethnic hatred or deny, minimize, or justify the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Genocide Ideology in Rwanda

Rwanda has enacted strong legislation against genocide ideology to prevent the recurrence of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and promote national unity.

Legal Framework

Law N° 84/2013 (replacing earlier 2008 law) defines and punishes:

  • Genocide ideology
  • Related offenses (negationism, revisionism)
  • Denial or minimization of genocide

    Definition Under Law

    Genocide ideology includes any deliberate act committed in public that may promote:

  • Marginalizing a group based on ethnicity
  • Supporting genocide or inciting it
  • Mocking genocide victims
  • Altering genocide evidence or testimony

    Penalties

    Depending on severity:

  • Imprisonment: 5-9 years (standard cases)
  • 10-15 years (if committed by leaders or public officials)
  • Additional penalties for organizations
  • Civic disqualification

    Important Distinctions

    The law distinguishes between:

  • Genocide ideology: Promoting ethnic division
  • Negationism: Denying genocide occurred
  • Revisionism: Deliberately distorting facts
  • Trivialisation: Minimizing genocide severity

    Jurisdiction

    Cases are primarily handled by:

  • Primary courts (minor cases)
  • Intermediate courts
  • High Court (serious cases)

    Relevant Legislation
  • Constitution of Rwanda
  • Law N° 84/2013 on genocide ideology and related offenses

    • Relevant Legislation

    • Constitution of Rwanda
    • Law N° 84/2013

    Relevant Courts

    • Supreme Court
    • High Court
    • Court of Appeal

    Related Legal Terms

    Fundamental Rights

    The basic human rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of Rwanda, forming the foundation of the country's legal and governance system.

    Constitutional Law

    Gacaca Courts

    Community-based transitional justice courts established in Rwanda to try genocide-related crimes, blending traditional conflict resolution with modern judicial procedures.

    Civil Procedure

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    Last updated: February 1, 2024