Rwanda targets 'noisy' churches

Churches deemed too noisy could face fines of up to $180

Rwandan police are cracking down on noisy churches, confiscating instruments from 11 congregations around the country in recent days.

Police spokesman Theos Badege told the BBC this was in line with new laws on noise pollution.

Mosques have also been told to lower the level of their loud speakers when calling for prayer, he said.

But some church leaders argue that packed congregations will often mean an increase in volume levels.

Sound-proofing

Police warned church leaders to worship more quietly after a meeting with them on Saturday.

The BBC's Geoffrey Mutagoma in the capital, Kigali, says Rwandan preachers often use microphones for their sermons, with musical instruments connected to the sound systems.

Guitars, keyboards and speakers were among the items taken by police officers, he said.

Mr Badege said the worshippers could come to police stations to retrieve their instruments, where they would receive a warning.

Under Rwandan law, violations are punishable with fines of between $18 to $180.

Nightclubs were targeted when the law when came into force last year, Mr Badege said.

They were only allowed to reopen after their premises were sound-proofed.