When the criminal verdict was awaited on the morning of November 6, 2024, the artist The Ben woke up and sent a message to Fatakumawatu to be released because he forgave him for what happened.
It's a message The Ben shared on his Instagram wall where he expressed that he doesn't like to be with others badly and the heart of forgiveness is what should characterize people and justice that includes compassion.
He said, "I chose love, I chose to give forgiveness even though the words hurt a lot and I pray that you will be released and find peace."
He continued, “Justice is served and compassion. I believe that we can all make mistakes and recover from them. I pray for your release, I believe that love will lead to a peaceful future. For me, love will always overcome hate, light will overcome darkness.”
Court rulings on Fatakuma:
A few hours after The Ben announced that they have pardoned Fatakumavu, the local court of Kicukiro issued a ruling ordering that Fatakumavu be imprisoned for 30 days.
The court ordered that Fatakumavata be detained for 30 days because there are serious reasons why he is suspected of the crimes he is being prosecuted for. The prosecution is charged with cyberbullying, discrimination and other crimes.
Although The Ben sent a message saying that they apologized to journalist Fatakumavata, The Ben said that he did not take him to court.