Rwandan authorities arrested opposition leader Victoire Ingabire after investigators finished looking into claims she threatened public safety. The National Public Prosecution Authority wants to keep her locked up before any trial begins. Police handed over their investigation files on June 24 and prosecutors quickly moved to file charges. The arrest happened after Ingabire testified about her political party members who face similar accusations. Judges told prosecutors to investigate her directly after hearing her speak.
Human Rights Watch slammed the arrest as another attack on political opponents. The organization said Rwanda sends a clear message that anyone challenging the ruling party risks going to prison. Ingabire spent eight years behind bars from 2012 to 2018 on charges critics called fake. She tried running for president but courts blocked her because of her criminal record. President Paul Kagame won the election with almost every single vote.
Ingabire runs an opposition party that cannot register legally with the government. At least five party members have died or disappeared under suspicious circumstances since 2017. Seven members got arrested before a political rally and spent three years waiting for trial. Prosecutors say they planned to start a rebellion because they read books about peaceful protests. The court will decide soon whether Ingabire stays in jail before her trial starts.
Human Rights Watch slammed the arrest as another attack on political opponents. The organization said Rwanda sends a clear message that anyone challenging the ruling party risks going to prison. Ingabire spent eight years behind bars from 2012 to 2018 on charges critics called fake. She tried running for president but courts blocked her because of her criminal record. President Paul Kagame won the election with almost every single vote.
Ingabire runs an opposition party that cannot register legally with the government. At least five party members have died or disappeared under suspicious circumstances since 2017. Seven members got arrested before a political rally and spent three years waiting for trial. Prosecutors say they planned to start a rebellion because they read books about peaceful protests. The court will decide soon whether Ingabire stays in jail before her trial starts.
