APA – Kigali (Rwanda) – A high court in Kigali has sentenced Dieudonne Ishimwe, a former CEO of Miss Rwanda beauty contest, to 5 years in prison after he was found guilty of rape, soliciting or offering sexual favours, and harassment.
Ishimwe also known as ‘Prince Kid’ is the chief executive of Rwanda Inspiration Backup, the organization responsible for organizing the Miss Rwanda beauty pageant.
This is the first time a defendant has been convicted for sextorsion.
Prince Kid started organising Miss Rwanda in 2014 through his company, Rwanda Inspiration Backup, which has seen the annual event become one of the most popular in the country.
He was facing three charges including rape, soliciting or offering sexual favours, and harassment. Initial accusation details indicate that suspect cornered at several occasions the contestants in Miss Rwanda pageants, promising then that he had the ability to help them sail through the competition and win the crown.
Following the incident, Rwandan officials decided to suspend the beauty pageant contest pending ongoing investigation into alleged sexual assault by organisers.
Reacting to the incident, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said that even though the issue [of sextortion] was reported in Miss Rwanda, in other institutions including in central government and in the army, sexual abuse is becoming a concern.
“It’s really bad and we should denounce it. But girls, women themselves should understand that men don’t own them,” Kagame said.
CU/as/APA