Rwanda’s Supreme Court Issues New Directive for Court Attendees

In a statement signed on June 10, 2026, by the President of the Supreme Court, Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, the institution emphasized that anyone present within court premises must conduct themselves in a respectful manner and in accordance with the requirements for the proper administration of justice.

The decision is based, among other legal instruments, on the law governing the organization and functioning of the judiciary as well as the law relating to civil, commercial, labour, and administrative procedures.

The Supreme Court requires all persons attending court proceedings to:

·       Demonstrate courtesy, calmness, and discipline within court premises, courtrooms, and all locations where judicial proceedings are conducted;

·       Refrain from any conduct that may disrupt judges, litigating parties, or security personnel responsible for maintaining order;

·       Facilitate access for litigants and vehicles transporting them when they arrive at court premises;

·       Refrain from recording or photographing parties to a case within court premises, courtrooms, or any other venue where hearings are conducted without prior authorization from the President of the competent court;

·       Respect the rights of parties who refuse to be filmed or photographed.

This communication comes at a time when social media and digital content creation continue to expand rapidly. In recent years, during highly publicized trials, it had become common to see journalists, content creators, and other individuals quickly taking photographs or recording videos of parties to a case, particularly when they were being transported in detention vehicles or escorted by security personnel to courtrooms.

The new directive appears to put an end to such practices whenever prior authorization has not been granted by the competent authority. The restriction applies throughout court premises as well as inside courtrooms.

The Supreme Court’s guidance is also aligned with the spirit of Rwanda’s law on personal data protection and privacy, which was enacted to strengthen the protection of personal information and ensure respect for individuals’ privacy rights.

Among its key principles, the legislation emphasizes the requirement for the consent of the person concerned and seeks to prevent any unauthorized use of personal data.