By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Rwanda, My 08, 2026 - The death of Rwandan academic and government critic Aimable Karasira while in custody has sparked fresh concern from international rights groups, with Human Rights Watch (HRW) now calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his final hours.
Karasira, a university lecturer, rapper and outspoken critic of the Rwandan government, died on Wednesday, the same day he was expected to regain his freedom after years behind bars.
Rwandan Correctional Services said he died from a medical overdose, with a spokesperson telling local media that “he took chunks of medicine which he had been prescribed for a pre-existing condition”.
Reports indicate he died at Nyarugenge District Hospital in Kigali.
But HRW says the circumstances surrounding his death raise serious concerns, especially given Karasira’s past claims of threats, mistreatment and denial of medical care while in detention.
“To establish responsibility for Karasira’s death, the Rwandan authorities should invite an independent body of experts to carry out an impartial, thorough, and transparent investigation,” HRW said.
The organisation added that the inquiry should include a public autopsy and involve international experts, including the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions.
Karasira became increasingly outspoken in recent years, particularly after posting videos online discussing the loss of relatives during the 1994 genocide and criticising the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).
According to HRW, he had previously spoken openly about fears for his safety.
“I’ve received letters, threats. I get phone calls from phone numbers I don’t know. Someone from the government was sent to negotiate with me and told me to stop publishing my opinions,” Karasira told the organisation in 2020.
He was arrested in 2021 and charged with offences linked to genocide denial and divisionism, charges often treated seriously under Rwandan law.
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During court hearings, Karasira and his lawyer accused prison authorities of torture and denying him proper medical treatment.
HRW said he claimed he was subjected to sleep deprivation, beatings and poor prison conditions while struggling with diabetes and mental health challenges.
The rights group says his death now adds to a growing list of suspicious deaths involving critics of the government.
“His death adds to the list of disappearances and suspicious deaths of perceived critics and government opponents,” HRW said.
The organisation also compared the case to the 2020 death of gospel singer and government critic Kizito Mihigo, who also died in police custody under disputed circumstances.
HRW senior researcher Clementine de Montjoye said Rwanda’s international partners should not remain silent.
“Karasira is just the latest government critic to suffer a suspicious death. Rwanda’s partners need to speak up for those who risk their lives to express themselves,” she said.
Karasira had nearly completed a five-year sentence and was reportedly due for release on May 6 before his sudden death.