The Kigali High Court on October 20, 2025, held a closed-door session to hear the appeal of Antoine Ruvebana, the former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry in charge of Disaster Management, who was previously convicted of child defilement and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Both the defendant and the Prosecution had appealed the earlier ruling by the Gasabo Intermediate Court, each side requesting a review of specific aspects of the decision.
In March 2023, the Gasabo Intermediate Court had found Ruvebana guilty of defiling a minor identified under the pseudonym VAF based on the victim’s testimony, supporting statements from two other witnesses (BCF and BEF), and a psychological report that backed the prosecution’s claims.
The hearing was held in camera (closed to the public) due to the sensitive nature of the case. During the proceedings, Ruvebana denied the allegations, claiming that the accusations were fabricated by his estranged wife.
The Prosecution, however, maintained its position, urging the court to impose a 25-year sentence, arguing that the crime was serious and involved multiple victims. According to prosecutors, the offenses allegedly occurred between 2005 and 2013, while Ruvebana was working for the government in Switzerland.
The trial court had previously sentenced him to 10 years in prison, citing mitigating circumstances including the fact that it was his first offense, which could allow for rehabilitation. He was also ordered to pay symbolic compensation of one Rwandan franc to the victim.
Ruvebana served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) now the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) from 2012 to 2017.
The High Court is expected to deliver its final verdict on November 21, 2025.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
