Rwanda: Ntaganda Bernard: Prosecution “still preparing court dossier”

By RNA Reporters
Wednesday, 30 June 2010

Kigali: The National Prosecution Authority said Wednesday that there was no need to rush to court as opposition politician Bernard Ntaganda can still be detained without charges, RNA reports.

“The law prescribes that a suspect can be held by Police for three days and seven days by prosecution,” said prosecution spokesmen Augustin Nkusi. “We are still preparing the charges and he will be presented in court anytime soon.”

Bernard Ntaganda who heads a faction of PS Imberakuri party was arrested on the morning of June 24 on ethnic divisionism charges and links to a failed arson attack on Mukabonane Christine – from another faction.

The same day, up to 30 demonstrators were arrested as they prepared to protest against the National Electoral Commission. Opposition groups said Ntaganda was arrested to counter the impending protest. Police said the arrests were a coincidence.

Green Party politician Frank Habineza was briefly detained along with several of the protestors, but set free after about an hour. Reports said the same day FDU-Inkingi leader Ingabire Victoire was prevented from leaving her home.

Police Spokesman Eric Kayiranga said today that Ntaganda was released from Police custody and handed to prosecution on Monday.

But Nkusi from prosecution declined to say where the controversial government critic was being held.

“He is in the custody of a competent authority as investigations continue,” said Nkusi.

Put to him that the law sets out a 72-hour period of detention for suspects, Nkusi said: “What I have explained to you is what the law says. I don’t know where you get that.”