The Rwanda Media Commission (RMC) has said that the BBC documentary, ‘Rwanda’s Untold Story’, violated both media ethics and principles, and has called for the prosecution of those involved with its production. 

The call was made by RMC chairperson, Fred Muvunyi, while appearing before an independent commission of inquiry into accusations of genocide denial and revisionism leveled against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

The Commission, led by the former Prosecutor-General Martin Ngoga, yesterday, begun hearing testimonies from witnesses at Telecom House in Kacyiru, Kigali.

Muvunyi said the documentary producer, Jane Corbin, had a reputation of making documentaries that have a wide impact globally.

"In this context, if she made mistakes and if we don’t come out to condemn it, then those mistakes might have a negative impact,” said Muvunyi.

"The documentary lacks in basic journalistic standards, it violated many principles and laws and this is why we request that in your final recommendations, you mention the need to take a legal action since there are criminal elements.”

The commission of inquiry was set up by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (Rura) to investigate accusations of Genocide denial and revisionism leveled against the BBC.

Genocide denial

Muvunyi detailed an analysis made by RMC on the documentary, saying the scripts in the film amount to genocide denial.

He told commissioners that genocide denial was an international crime punishable by laws, be it Rwandan or international legal instruments. He also referred to article 16 of the Rwanda Penal Code that provides for punishment of international and cross- border crimes.

"Any person, whether Rwandan or foreigner, a Rwandan or foreign non-governmental organisation or association, that commits, inside or outside the Rwandan territory, or cross-border crimes may, if apprehended on the territory of the Republic of Rwanda, be prosecuted and tried by Rwandan courts in accordance with Rwandan laws as if any of the following crimes had been committed in Rwanda,” the article reads in part.

Among the crimes listed in the article include genocide denial or revisionism.

Muvunyi, who was accompanied by other RMC officials, told the Commission that legal action should to be taken against the BBC and especially the documentary’s producer, Corbin, for denying the Genocide and inciting hatred.

"Corbin interviewed Prof. Allan Stam who claimed that only 200,000 Tutsi were killed in the Genocide. This statement clearly minimises the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi where official figures indicate that over a million Tutsi were killed in the Genocide as it is proved by the United Nations Security Council resolution 2150.

The same resolution calls for prosecution of anyone who denies the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda,” he said.

He added that the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) to try those who are responsible for the Genocide against the Tutsi was clear proof of that the Genocide was committed.

"In the interest of objectivity and natural justice, we request the commission to give a platform to BBC and Corbin so they can defend themselves, if need be the commission can fly out and meet them,” he said.

Last month, Rura suspended BBC Kinyarwanda broadcasts following complaints in the wake of the controversial documentary aired on BBC2 on October 1.