Kigali, Rwanda – (African Boulevard News) – Moses Turahirwa, a 35-year-old fashion designer and member of the LGBTQ community, has been charged with passport forgery in Rwanda. The incident occurred after Turahirwa posted a photo of her passport on Instagram, claiming that the gender section had been changed from male to female.
According to reports, Turahirwa was taken into custody on Thursday for questioning after authorities discovered that her passport had been altered. The designer has been charged with forgery, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
The incident has sparked outrage among the LGBTQ community in Rwanda, who believe that Turahirwa is being unfairly targeted due to her sexual orientation. Many are speaking out on social media, using the hashtag #JusticeForMoses to call for her release and an end to discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in the country.
In response to the charges, Turahirwa’s lawyer has issued a statement, stating that her client is innocent and that the allegations against her are baseless. “Moses is a talented fashion designer who has never been involved in any criminal activity,” the statement reads. “She is being targeted simply because of her gender identity.”
The case has also drawn attention from international human rights organizations, who are calling on the Rwandan government to ensure that Turahirwa receives a fair trial. “We are deeply concerned about the charges against Moses Turahirwa, and we urge the Rwandan authorities to respect her rights and ensure that she is treated fairly,” said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch.
The fashion industry has also expressed support for Turahirwa, with many designers and industry experts speaking out on social media. “Moses is a talented designer who deserves to be recognized for her work, not targeted for her gender identity,” said a prominent fashion editor.
The case against Turahirwa is another reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in Rwanda, where homosexuality is still illegal and widely stigmatized. Despite these obstacles, activists and allies continue to fight for equality and justice for all members of the community.
