Rwanda's major independent newspaper, 'The Chronicles', suspends operations

Kigali, Rwanda (PANA) -  The owners of one of major independent newspapers in Rwanda, 'The Chronicles', on Friday announced the suspension of their operations until further notice, they said in a statement obtained by PANA in Kigali.

The statement, released on Friday, gave no further details, but said "We hope to return to publication as soon as condition allows." 

'The Chronicles' had also previously written critical articles about senior Government officials in Kigali who were involved in some controversial activities.

In a related development, Rwandan prosecutors have requested five-year jail sentence for the Managing Director of 'The Chronicles', Dr. Christopher Kayumba, currently in detention. He is also accused of drunken behavior at Kigali International Airport.

Dr. Kayumba was arrested since December last year and denied bail up to appeals.

Rwanda Police say they arrested Dr Kayumba for causing disturbances at Kigali International Airport on December 10, including comment that he would "shutdown the airport".

Two lawyers pulled out of his case without explanation.

The senior Rwandan media manager is accused of, among other crimes, public drunkenness which is punishable under the law nº68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general; article 268. He is also accused of committing crimes at the airport, punishable under the law N°20/2018 of 29/04/2018 establishing regulations governing civil aviation in its article 41; paragraph 1 and 2.

According to the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA), Dr Kayumba is accused of “Intentionally causing damage to, or destroying property at an airport or its related facilities – an offence NPPA says is punishable under the law N°20/2018 of 29/04/2018 establishing regulations governing civil aviation in its article 41; paragraph 3.

-0- PANA TWA/VAO 10July2020