Rwandan court rejects journalist's request for bail

Kigali, Rwanda (PANA) - The Rwandan prosecution has rejected the bail request from journalist Ephrem Nsengumuremyi, detained for "extortion", said a judicial source on Friday in Kigali.

Owner and editor of a fortnight magazine, INGENZI, Mr. Nsengumuremyi was caught red-handed after pocketing a sum of money given to him by an official in return for not publishing an article that could damage the official.

The prosecution butressed its position with the argument that the suspect could take advantage of his bail to remove evidence of his crime.

Nsengumuremyi will appear 23 Monday before a court in Kigali.

If convicted, the journalist faces up to 10 years in prison, a judicial source said.
-0- PANA TWA/ASA/IBA/CEA/BOS 20May2011