This article discusses the release of Dominique Makeli from prison. Makeli is a former reporter with Rwanda Radio. He was arrested on September 18, 1994 for a genocide-related charge. In May 1994, Makeli was covering a supposed appearance of the Virgin of Kibeho. He reported that she said "The parent is in heaven," which prosecutors believed meant "President Habyarimana is in heaven." This was taken as support for Habyarimana, and thus, the killing of the Tutsis. To this day, Makeli and many local supporters dispute this interpretation. Makeli spent the last 14 years in several different prisons until finally ending up at the Kigali central prison. 
Reporters without Borders is calling this "excellent news and a great relief." I too think that the release of Makeli is a positive step for Rwanda. It is a shame to think that he may have spent the past 14 years of his life incarcerated do to a misinterpretation. The government in Rwanda, to this day, has complete control over the media. The release of Makeli is a small step forward from the government's domination in Rwanda. Hopefully, this will lead to the liberation of many others who were imprisoned on vague genocide-related charges.
By: Stefanie Merrigan
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