CPJ urges probe into Rwanda YouTuber death in custody
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 8 May 2026 | JP Global Monitoring
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The Committee to Protect Journalists urged an independent inquiry after Rwandan YouTuber Aimable Karasira Uzaramba died on the day he was due to be released from a five-year sentence. Authorities say he overdosed on prescribed medication and a post-mortem is pending.Summary
KIGALI — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for an independent investigation into the death of Rwandan YouTube commentator Aimable Karasira Uzaramba, who died on the day he was due to be released after completing a five-year prison sentence.
The Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) said the 48-year-old died at Nyarugenge Hospital in Kigali after allegedly overdosing on prescribed medication. Officials said he had completed pre-release procedures when he ingested the medication and was later pronounced dead around midnight.
CPJ calls for an independent inquiry
CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo described the death in state custody as “devastating” and said authorities must clarify how and why Karasira died, citing past allegations of mistreatment and concerns about his detention conditions.
RCS and media accounts said Karasira had been taken to the hospital after the incident during final release procedures, but a post-mortem report was still pending at the time of the statement.
Arrest, charges, and trial background
Karasira was arrested in May 2021 and later sentenced in September 2025 to five years in prison on charges of inciting divisions. He was originally accused of genocide denial, justification, causing unrest, and inciting divisions related to his online commentary.
The court acquitted him of all but one charge. His legal team had raised concerns about his mental health and fitness to stand trial, while multiple medical assessments produced differing conclusions.
YouTube commentary and broader scrutiny
Karasira, a former university lecturer, ran a YouTube channel called Ukuri Mbona (The Truth as I See It), where he criticized government narratives related to the 1994 genocide. He had also alleged mistreatment in custody, including assault and denial of sleep and medical care.
Human rights groups and CPJ have previously raised concerns about conditions for journalists and online commentators in Rwanda, where several media workers are currently imprisoned.
Wider concerns over press freedom in Rwanda
Karasira was among several journalists and YouTubers in detention in Rwanda, a country CPJ has ranked among the region’s leading jailers of media workers. Previous deaths in custody, including that of gospel musician Kizito Mihigo in 2020, have also drawn scrutiny and controversy.
Authorities did not respond to CPJ requests for comment made earlier this week.
ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on publicly available statements from the Committee to Protect Journalists (May 2026), Rwanda Correctional Service statements, and prior reporting by The New Times (May 2026) and TV One (May 2026).
PHOTO: Screenshot from Ukuri Mbona/YouTube/Circulated by CPJ
Key Points
- CPJ has called for an independent investigation into Aimable Karasira Uzaramba's death in state custody.
- The 48-year-old died during pre-release procedures after completing a five-year sentence.
- Rwanda Correctional Service reported he overdosed on prescribed medication and was taken to Nyarugenge Hospital.
- Karasira was arrested in May 2021 and sentenced in September 2025 on a charge of inciting divisions.
- His legal team raised concerns about his mental health and fitness to stand trial; multiple medical assessments differed.
- A post-mortem report was pending at the time authorities announced his death.
Key Questions & Answers
Who was Aimable Karasira Uzaramba?
Aimable Karasira Uzaramba was a Rwandan YouTube commentator who was arrested in May 2021 and later sentenced to five years in prison on a charge of inciting divisions.
What is CPJ asking for?
The Committee to Protect Journalists is calling for an independent investigation into Karasira's death in state custody and clarification of the circumstances surrounding it.
What do authorities say about the cause of death?
Rwanda Correctional Service said Karasira allegedly overdosed on prescribed medication during pre-release procedures and was taken to Nyarugenge Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Were there concerns about his treatment or health?
Yes. His legal team raised concerns about his mental health and fitness to stand trial, and CPJ cited past allegations of mistreatment and detention condition concerns; multiple medical assessments produced differing conclusions.
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