The court punished Barikana Eugène with a fine of 500 thousand frw

 The court punished Barikana Eugène with a fine of 500 thousand frw

In the reading of the judgment that took place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, the Nyarugenge District Court found Barikana Eugène guilty of possessing weapons in a way that violates the law, punishable by a fine of 500 thousand Frw.

The court announced that it found that Barikana should be punished but received a reduced sentence because he pleaded guilty.

Based on the provisions of the law, the court found that he should receive a reduced sentence but not less than one year in prison or a fine.

But because the law provides that a person convicted of a crime can be punished with one of the punishments provided by the law including imprisonment or a fine, it was found that Barikana should be punished by giving a fine of one million roubles, but because he did not challenge justice and accepted the crime, the punishment would be reduced and a fine of 500 thousand Frw would be imposed.

Barikana Eugene, who was a Member of Parliament was arrested by the Public Prosecutor's Office (RIB) on May 11, 2024 for illegal possession of weapons.

On May 23, 2024, the Public Prosecutor's Office asked Barikana Eugène to be imprisoned for two years after an armed encounter at his home.

As soon as he was arrested, Barikana told RIB detectives that he had the weapons while living with the soldiers and forgot to return them.

In Barikana's defense, Eugène pleaded guilty and did not plead with the court for a reduced sentence.

Eastern Province: RPF members pledge high turn up in July polls

In a town hall meeting that took place on Sunday, May 12, RPF Inkotanyi party members in Eastern Province pledged to turn up in huge numbers in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

The general elections - Presidential and Parliamentary - are set to take place countrywide on July 15.

The party members reiterated their commitment to mobilising voters and ensuring that every eligible member casts their vote on election day.

In Rwamagana, Cyanya cell, Abdulaziz Munyabugingo, a party member in charge of the disciplinary committee in his village emphasised the importance of every vote in shaping the future of the country and urged his fellow party members to continue their efforts in spreading awareness and mobilising support for the ruling party with an emphasis on the youth who will be eligible to vote this year.

He said that: "Voting is a right that should not be taken for granted, and it is crucial for every RPF Inkotanyi member to participate in the decision-making process of our nation.

"We encouraged all eligible party members to register to vote, and participate in voter education workshops to inform the youth about the importance of exercising their democratic rights. It is essential that we work together to ensure a strong voter turnout in the upcoming election and vote for our party candidate, Paul Kagame."

The RPF Inkotanyi's 2024-2029 manifesto aims for sustainable economic development and skill development, a 40% increase in agriculture and 60% increase in industrial output, 250,000 job creations annually, and modernization of transport networks both in rural and urban areas,among many others.