By John Ikani
A Chinese national, Sun Shujun had been sentenced to 20 years in prison for torture after he was captured in a viral video beating men tied on a tree.
In August 2021, the three-minute video went viral in Rwanda and led to the arrest of Mr Shujun – who was later released on bail.
The video was taken by angry workers and shared on social media.
The victims are reported to have been former workers at a mine operated by Mr Shujun in Rutsiro district and who were allegedly linked to theft.
Mr Shujun said he had previously warned thieves after his belongings were repeatedly stolen.
The Chinese embassy in Kigali condemned “unlawful acts” in the video, local media reported.
Witnesses told the court on Tuesday that Mr Shujun had erected a cross where those suspected of stealing from him were tied and whipped.
A Rwandan man said to be his employee was also sentenced to 12 years in jail for abetting torture.
