The Supreme Court has dismissed a case filed by lawyer Jean-Paul Ibambe concerning freedom of expression.
Ibambe’s case challenged Article 39 of Rwanda’s law governing cybercrime.
The court ruled that freedom of expression does not justify spreading harmful or false information.
Lawyer Jean-Paul Ibambe, known for defending journalists in Rwanda, had sued the Rwandan government, arguing that Article 39 of the law on the prevention and punishment of cybercrimes contradicts the Constitution because it restricts people’s freedom of expression.
Ibambe filed the case before the Supreme Court in March 2024.
The contested Article 39 states:
“Any person who knowingly uses a computer or computer system to spread false information that may cause fear, unrest or violence among the public, or damage someone’s reputation, commits an offence.”
“If found guilty by the court, the person shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three (3) years and not more than five (5) years, and a fine of not less than one million (1,000,000 RWF) and not more than three million (3,000,000 RWF).”
Ibambe stated that he decided to file the case because this article limits everyone’s right to free expression.
