Rwanda: Healer Arrested for COVID-19 Cure Claims
A Rwandan traditional healer has been arrested over false claims that he had a cure for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Eight cases of COVID-19 – which has become a global pandemic – have reportedly been recorded in the east African country so far. This has resulted in the closure of churches and schools, the cancellation of flights, and the erection of public hand-washing facilities.
Currently, there are no vaccines available to eliminate the disease.
On Tuesday, 17 March, Reverien Ndamyabera – a traditional healer from the Musanze District – was arrested for uploading a video to YouTube, in which he claimed that he possessed a medicine that could cure those infected with COVID-19.
The video was viewed by thousands of online users before it was removed the same day.
Per Rwandan law, if he is found guilty of publishing misinformation with the intent to incite panic, Ndamyabera could receive a three-to-five prison sentence, or pay a fine of up to three million Rwandan Francs.
