Rwandan YouTuber jailed for humiliating officials

By BBC

A Rwandan YouTube star has been sentenced to seven years in jail for criticising the government.

Dieudonné Niyonsenga, known as Cyuma or “Iron”, was found guilty of forgery, impersonation, and humiliating state officials.

He denies the allegations and says he will appeal.

His videos have accused soldiers of serious abuses against slum dwellers during a coronavirus lockdown.

Another popular YouTube personality recently received a 15-year sentence for inciting violence.

The Rwandan authorities are regularly accused of stifling opposition and jailing those who criticise the government.