Aimable Karasira: Rwandan singer dies as he was being released from prison
Rwanda Correctional Service said Karasira died after taking prescribed medicine during release processing, and a post-mortem is pending.
- On Wednesday, Aimable Karasira died at Nyarugenge District Hospital as he was being processed for release from prison in Kigali, according to the Rwanda Correctional Service.
- Karasira, a 48-year-old former lecturer, was serving a five-year sentence for inciting division, having already completed four years of his term awaiting trial.
- The Rwanda Correctional Service claimed Karasira overdosed on prescribed medication while in transit awaiting release, yet activists cited Rwanda's documented history of suspicious deaths in detention.
- Human Rights Watch urged an independent investigation by a body of experts, invoking the Minnesota Protocol to demand accountability for the death in custody of a political opponent.
- Karasira's death mirrors the 2020 in-custody death of singer and critic Kizito Mihigo, underscoring Rwanda's pattern of repression against dissenting voices under President Paul Kagame.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Rwandan YouTuber dies of alleged overdose on day of release from prison
Nairobi, May 8, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls for an independent and credible investigation into the death of Rwandan YouTube commentator Aimable Karasira Uzaramba on Wednesday, the day of his scheduled release from prison at the end of his five-year sentence. In a statement, the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) said that 48-year-old Karasira died...
Associated Press News
A government critic dies in custody in Rwanda, drawing calls for an independent probe
A Rwandan academic and government critic died in custody as he was set to be freed from jail, immediately raising concern from a prominent rights group that urged an investigation into the death of Aimable Karasira.
Rwanda: Critic Dies in Prison on Release Day
Click to expand Image Aimable Karasira. © Private (Nairobi) – Rwandan authorities should conduct an effective, independent, and transparent investigation into the death in custody of Aimable Karasira, a Rwandan academic and outspoken government critic, on the day he was set to be released from prison, Human Rights Watch said today.Karasira’s prosecution and imprisonment are emblematic of Rwanda’s crackdown on dissent and free expression. His dea…
Rwanda: Aimable Karasira Dies of Suspected Prescription Overdose
The Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) on Thursday morning announced the death of Aimable Uzaramba Karasira. He died at Nyarugenge Hospital following what is suspected to have been an overdose of prescribed drugs.
Rwandan singer dies as he was being released from prison
Rwandan singer Aimable Karasira has died as he was being released from prison in Kigali,according to the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS). The RCS said he had died at Nyarugenge Hospital after he had allegedly overdosed on his prescription medication. RCS spokesperson Hillary Sengabo later said Karasira was suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and poor mental health, and that a post-mortem would be carried out. However, some government …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
