Rwanda: Do not to give up, the dictator will never jail a whole nation

By Sylvain SIBOMANA
FDU-INKINGI
Secretary General

November 5, 2010

“DON'T GIVE UP, HE WILL NEVER JAIL A WHOLE NATION”, said Ms. Victoire INGABIRE on her 23rd DAY IN CAPTIVITY (KIGALI 1930 MAXIMUM PRISON).

Today, only 20 people were allowed to visit Ms. Victoire INGABIRE, FDU-INKINGI Chair, in the Kigali maximum prison. The visitors are mostly members of the opposition party FDU-INKINGI, the Green Democratic Party of Rwanda and the Parti Social IMBERAKURI. Two other political prisoners, Maître Bernard NTAGANDA (PS IMBERAKURI, founder President) and Deogratias MUSHAYIDI (PDP IMANZI) were seen by the team as well. Ms. Victoire INGABIRE encouraged the crowd in front of the Prison: “Do not to give up, the dictator will never jail a whole nation”.

Ms. Victoire INGABIRE is in detention since 14th October 2010. She is charged with politically motivated crimes. Considering the role of President Paul KAGAME and the whole state machinery in this endless process there is no single chance to have a fair trial. While an appeal bail hearing is expected on 8th October, members of the ruling party are touring western capitals to justify their version of democracy, the incarceration of opposition leaders and the crimes against humanity committed in the Congo by the current regime. They can't even wait for the outcome of the trials.

The much touted discovery of a so called bunker in the victim's residence is a blatant lie and state hate propaganda. Most of residential properties in Kigali City have structures for rainwater drainage systems and since 2006, thousands of households lacking such facilities have paid heavy fines due to the City Department of Environment and sanitation regulations. The police brutal show, the subsequent media campaign and the arrest or grilling of FDU-INKINGI Executives and staff is nothing else than state intimidation. It's another way for the regime to prepare the national and international opinion to the upcoming court ruling.

Since February 2010, the Rwandan government fooled the world that there was overwhelming evidence against Ms. INGABIRE and up to date, General Paul KAGAME's men are still digging even sewage and sanitation structures.

The Rwandan people are waiting for next week court hearing. It's another big challenge for the independence of justice . Ms. Victoire INGABIRE will be assisted by a Rwandan lawyer and two International lawyers from the United Kingdom.

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