A courtroom in Kigali turned tense on Monday after lawyer and court bailiff Me Munyakaragwe Aline appeared before the Nyarugenge Primary Court over remarks directed at a city socialite, Ingabire Nelly, commonly known as Mignone.
At the center of the case is a single word; Igiguri (Midget). Prosecutors accuse Me Munyakaragwe of insulting Mignone by calling her a “midget,” remarks they argue crossed the line from personal criticism into public humiliation.
The prosecution is now asking the court to hand Me Munyakaragwe a two-month prison sentence, impose a fine of Rwf 200,000, and order her to pay Rwf 10 million in damages to Mignone for the reputational and emotional harm allegedly caused.
Mignone, a well-known public figure, maintains that the comments were degrading and damaging to her image, especially given the public attention surrounding the dispute.
The hearing, held at the Nyarugenge Primary Court on May 25, 2026, drew attention online and in legal circles alike, with many closely following how the court will handle a case balancing free expression, personal attacks, and public dignity.
The court is expected to deliver its verdict on June 11, 2026.