The Gasabo Intermediate Court has ruled that the trial of Habiyaremye Zacharie, popularly known on social media as Bishop Gafaranga, will proceed in private.
It was Bishop Gafaranga himself who requested that the hearings be closed to the public, arguing that the case touches on sensitive matters concerning his family life. “I request that this trial be held in private because it concerns my family,” he told the court.
The Prosecution also acknowledged that the case is family-related and left the decision to the discretion of the court.
The presiding judge noted that the request falls within the legal rights granted to the accused and ordered all attendees to leave the courtroom so that the trial could continue behind closed doors.
Bishop Gafaranga is facing charges of assault, battery, and domestic abuse against his wife, Annette Murava.
He was arrested on May 7, 2025, and the Nyamata Primary Court ordered 30 days of pretrial detention, citing substantial grounds to suspect his involvement in the alleged crimes.
Although he appealed the ruling to the Gasabo Intermediate Court, the court upheld the decision for his continued detention.
Even earlier hearings on whether he should be released on bail were also conducted privately, as the proceedings were expected to involve disclosures about his family’s private life.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
