Jean Bosco Siboyintore, Rwanda’s National Prosecutor, told the media at a press conference in Kigali that Salman Khan was arrested at the request of the Government of India through the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).

“India submitted a request indicating that Salman Khan is wanted for terrorism charges. While some suspects are already detained in India, he attempted to flee to Rwanda,” Siboyintore explained.

The suspect was tracked down by officers from INTERPOL’s branch in Rwanda and arrested on September 9, 2024. Rwanda then notified the Indian government of his detention.

India submitted a formal request for Khan’s extradition on October 29, 2024. The request was reviewed and approved by Rwanda’s Ministry of Justice on November 12, 2024.

Despite the absence of an extradition treaty between Rwanda and India, Rwandan law permits extradition based on mutual agreements.

“Although Rwanda and India lack a formal extradition treaty, our laws provide provisions for such cases through mutual agreements. Similarly, if Rwanda requests a suspect’s extradition, we expect the same cooperation,” Siboyintore noted.

He emphasized that Rwanda does not serve as a haven for fugitives.

“Rwanda is not a hiding place for criminals. It is not a country where you can commit crimes elsewhere and seek refuge here,” he said.

Siboyintore highlighted that Rwanda extradited Khan, just as other countries have done in cases involving suspects of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

He also underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges such as terrorism, human trafficking, and money laundering.

This is the first extradition request Rwanda has received from India.

A representative from India’s Ministry of Justice commended Rwanda’s cooperation despite the lack of a formal extradition treaty between the two countries. He expressed hope for future agreements.

“Terrorism is an issue that India does not tolerate, and Rwanda shares the same stance. Rwanda’s approach sets a positive example on the international stage,” the Indian representative remarked.

Salman Khan was arrested at the request of the Government of India through the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).

The suspect is reported to have fled India in an attempt to evade justice.

The suspect was tracked down by officers from INTERPOL’s branch in Rwanda and arrested on September 9, 2024.

India submitted a formal request for Khan’s extradition on October 29, 2024.

Despite the absence of an extradition treaty between Rwanda and India, Rwandan law permits extradition based on mutual agreements.

Rwandan security agencies handed over a suspect to Indian authorities on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, for prosecution on terrorism charges.