On the full rehabilitation of citizen rights in Rwanda:
The Case Study of Ms. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza.
Apparently, there is no law governing the full rehabilitation of citizen rights for former convicted prisoners in Rwanda. It all depends on the court's decisions that grant the prisoner's release.
Ms. Victoire Ingabire was convicted in 2013 for "conspiracy against the authorities" and "minimizing the 1994 genocide".
She was released from prison under presidential grace in 2018 with certain conditions (1):
-She must seek authorization from the minister in charge of justice every time she wishes to leave Rwanda.
-She must appear before the primary level prosecutor of her place of residence, office once a month.
These conditions shall cease to apply at the end of the remaining period of imprisonment, which she was supposed to serve till 2025.
Despite her release, Victoire Ingabire remains deprived of her right to run for office due to her past conviction.
She believes that she has fulfilled all the necessary conditions to recover her political rights. She says she actively participates in community work, meetings in her village and follows government instructions.
However, the prosecutor opposed her request for full rehabilitation, citing several reasons (2):
He particularly highlights the absence of Victoire Ingabire from certain obligatory meetings since her release, notably during the period of confinement linked to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition, investigations are currently underway by the Rwandan Investigation Bureau (RIB) and Victoire Ingabire occupies a status within the unrecognized Dalfa Umurinzi party.
Despite the prosecutor's arguments, Victoire Ingabire defended her case by asserting that Dalfa Umurinzi is a party under construction and should not be subject to the same requirements as an approved party.
She also stressed that the RIB investigations have been open for more than five years and should not continue to prevent her from enjoying her political rights.
1-Rwanda Court Bars Opposition Figure, Victoire Umuhoza, From Participating in July Election
https://saharareporters.com/2024/03/13/rwanda-court-bars-opposition-figure-victoire-umuhoza-participating-july-election
2-Victoire Ingabire: In search of rehabilitation of her political rights in Rwanda
| ### "Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence", George Washington. ### |
