Muhizi Cleared in BNR Case Following Appeal Verdict
Muhizi was cleared in the BNR case by the Nyanza High Court after appealing a previous conviction. This case followed his public statements before President Paul Kagame regarding the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR). Lawyer Me Katisiga Rusobanuka Emile, involved in the same case, was also found innocent.
Nyanza High Court Rules Muhizi Cleared in BNR Case
The court overturned the five-year prison sentence given by the Intermediate Court of Muhanga, ordering Muhizi’s immediate release from Muhanga Prison, where he had been detained since 2022.
Public Reading Confirms Muhizi Cleared in BNR Case Verdict
During the appeal decision reading, no prosecution or defendants were present. The presiding judge said detailed reasons would be made available through the court’s digital system.
Understanding the Charges in Muhizi’s BNR Case
Allegations Against Muhizi and His Lawyer
Muhizi was accused of misusing someone else’s phone number to request an official certificate falsely claiming the person was unmarried. This certificate was allegedly used to block a property auction by BNR.
Lawyer Emile was charged with using this certificate in court to halt the auction of a house Muhizi had purchased.
Defense Arguments That Led to Muhizi’s Acquittal
The defense, led by lawyer Me Aristide Mutabaruka, presented evidence proving Muhizi did not commit any crime related to the certificate or property auction.
The court found that the prosecution failed to prove Muhizi’s involvement or wrongdoing.
Delays and Objections During the Appeal Process
The appeal faced several postponements due to lawyer Emile’s absences and objections, including a challenge to one judge’s impartiality. The court reassigned the case to a panel of three judges to ensure fairness.
Court Orders After Muhizi’s Acquittal
Muhizi was ordered released, and the court set a legal fee of 40,000 Rwandan francs payable to the state.
What Happens Next After Muhizi’s Acquittal?
The prosecution may still appeal if it believes legal errors were made. Muhizi’s lawyer said the law allows such actions, but no official comment has been received from the prosecution yet.
