Salman Khan, an Indian national accused of terrorism and related crimes, has been extradited from Rwanda to his home country. On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Khan boarded a flight at Kigali International Airport to return to India.
Khan was apprehended in Rwanda on September 9, 2024, following a request from the Government of India through INTERPOL. The charges against him stem from alleged crimes committed in India before he fled to Rwanda.
Jean Bosco Siboyintore, the National Prosecutor, stated that the offenses for which Salman Khan is being pursued were committed in India, and he sought refuge in Rwanda.
After his arrest, the Rwandan government informed Indian authorities. On October 29, 2024, India formally requested Rwanda to extradite Salman Khan so he could face trial in his home country. Rwanda’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, approved the extradition request on November 12, 2024, granting the necessary authorization for Khan’s transfer.
Although there is no formal extradition treaty between Rwanda and India, Rwandan law includes provisions that allow the extradition of suspects through mutual agreements. According to Siboyintore, “Our law on the transfer of suspects includes a clause stating that if a country requests the extradition of a suspect in Rwanda, even in the absence of a treaty, we can enter into an agreement of mutual understanding to facilitate their transfer.”
Rwanda has emphasized its commitment to being a global role model in combating terrorism and other crimes, aligning with international standards to ensure justice is served.
