In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, June 5, 2025, ACP Boniface Rutikanga stressed that sharing graphic images or videos of accidents, crimes, or other misfortunes violates human rights, undermines the dignity of victims, and worsens the grief of affected families.
“We remind everyone that capturing or sharing photos and videos of injured individuals, dead bodies—particularly at accident scenes, crime scenes, suicide cases, or moments of distress—is entirely unacceptable,” stated ACP Rutikanga.
He highlighted that such actions could obstruct investigations by security agencies and infringe on the privacy and dignity of those involved in these incidents.
“These actions strip the victim of dignity, deepen the grief of families who’ve lost loved ones, invade personal privacy, and can hinder ongoing investigations,” he added.
The public is urged to stop this inappropriate behavior, which dishonors individuals and their families during times of hardship."
The Rwanda Media Commission (RMC) echoed this call for accountability, urging journalists to exercise greater caution when reporting on suicide-related incidents.
RMC underscored the crucial role of media in educating the public about mental health challenges while emphasizing the need for sensitivity in covering such topics.
“Publishing these stories irresponsibly—such as revealing names, sharing graphic images, or mocking victims—can severely harm vulnerable individuals dealing with mental health issues,” the commission warned.
To mitigate risks, journalists were advised to avoid detailed descriptions of methods used in suicides, as these could inadvertently influence others facing similar mental health struggles.
“This precaution aims to deter others from being motivated by such reports and engaging in similar destructive behaviors,” they concluded.
These warnings come as concerns rise over the prevalence of disturbing images and videos being circulated on social media platforms. Content depicting accident scenes, suicide victims, or deceased individuals is widely seen as damaging, unethical, and in direct conflict with Rwandan cultural values and international human rights norms.
Citizens, journalists, and social media users are encouraged to uphold compassion and respect for human dignity in their online interactions. Such measures not only protect victims’ families but also safeguard viewers from potentially harmful impacts on their mental health.
RMC's Statement:
REMINDER:
Media plays a vital role in educating the public about mental health, its causes, prevention measures, and consequences. Suicide, as a major consequence of mental health issues, highlights the importance of timely support for affected individuals.
ACP Rutikanga's Statement:
While sharing information is a human right, we emphasize that distributing photos or videos of injured individuals or dead bodies—including images from accidents, crimes, suicides, or moments of distress—is unacceptable and unethical.
The Rwanda Police Spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, reiterated, “Sharing images of injured individuals or deceased persons is not a right—it’s unethical behavior that violates dignity and respect.”