Rwanda court says defaming the president remains a crime
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Rwanda's Supreme Court has upheld a law that says defaming the president is illegal, but it says drawing cartoons or producing writing that "humiliates" a government official is no longer a crime.
The Rwanda Journalists Association had challenged parts of the penal code that criminalized the publishing of such cartoons with punishment of up to four years in prison.
A three-judge panel decided the provisions contravene freedom of expression.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The association's executive secretary, Gonza Muganwa, welcomed the ruling, telling The Associated Press it removes a major obstacle to press freedom in the East African nation.
Defaming the president remains illegal, with a punishment of five to seven years in prison and a fine.