The court ruling, initially set for June 6, 2025, was postponed because it fell on the Eid al-Adha holiday, a significant Islamic celebration.
During the verdict reading, the judge noted that the prosecution did not provide sufficient evidence to prove how Fatakumavuta committed the alleged discrimination crime, particularly against Bahati’s wife.
On the accusation of public insult, the court found him not guilty, reasoning that claiming The Ben cries often does not constitute an insult or harm his public image.
Regarding the drug-use charge, the court dismissed Fatakumavuta’s request for testing as baseless. As a result, this charge was upheld.
The court convicted Fatakumavuta for spreading false information, citing that while he presented supposed proof, he embellished it with baseless narratives, which led to the conviction.
Another count involved defamation threats, where Fatakumavuta allegedly said he would ruin The Ben’s reputation unless he paid him. The court validated this charge.
As per the law, Fatakumavuta received the following sentences: one year in prison for drug use, three years in prison and a 1,000,000 Frw fine for spreading false information, and one year in prison with a 300,000 Frw fine for defamation threats.
Initially, Fatakumavuta faced a cumulative five-year prison term and 1,300,000 Frw in fines. However, leniency granted by certain victims, including artist The Ben, reduced the sentence to 2.5 years in prison and fines totaling 1,300,000 Frw.
According to legal provisions, Fatakumavuta and his defense team retain the right to file an appeal within 30 days if dissatisfied with the verdict from the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court.
Fatakumavuta sentenced to 2.5 years in prison and fined 1,300,000 Frw
Leniency granted by artists, including The Ben, influenced the reduction of his sentence.