Court hears Ingabire Victoire’s appeal against preventive detention

By The Inspirer.

The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on August 4 heard an appeal by opposition figure Ingabire Victoire Umuhoza, who is seeking release from preventive detention as she faces seven serious criminal charges.

The charges include forming a criminal group, inciting unrest, plotting to harm state authority, spreading false or inciteful information, disseminating rumors, and organizing illegal demonstrations.

Ingabire is challenging a July ruling by the Kicukiro Primary Court, which ordered her to be detained for 30 days. She presented eight legal arguments for her release, while the Prosecution maintained she should remain in custody, citing the gravity of the offenses and risk of obstructing investigations or fleeing justice.

Defense claims constitutional violations

The defense, led by attorney Me Gatera Gashabana, argued the court lacked constitutional authority to direct prosecution, referencing Article 106 of the criminal law. They said the matter had been submitted to the Supreme Court for constitutional review and that lower courts should have suspended proceedings until a ruling was made.

The Prosecution rebutted that the constitutional complaint was filed after the lower court’s decision and could not retroactively invalidate it.

Charges “time-barred,” says defense

Ingabire argued that some charges are legally expired, including one related to spreading rumors during a 2021 interview and another regarding alleged plans to organize protests the same year. She said Rwanda’s penal code limits prosecution of such minor offenses to one or three years.

The Prosecution countered that the content remains online (e.g. YouTube), keeping the alleged crime current under Rwandan law, which resets the clock based on the last known act related to the offense.

Disputed evidence and witness credibility

Ingabire questioned the credibility of the prosecution’s key witness, Gaston Munyabugingo, a former suspect who fled justice, and disputed the legality of audio recordings allegedly linking her to anti-state activities. She claimed some recordings were illegally obtained or unrelated to her.

However, the Prosecution cited Article 20 of the penal code, stating whistleblower recordings exposing national security threats are admissible.

Responding to allegations of helping organize training to topple the government, Ingabire denied any involvement. She said she didn’t attend the sessions and cannot be held accountable for activities of individuals associated with her unregistered political party, DALFA Umurinzi.

The Prosecution insisted that evidence—including witness testimony from her former aide—proves she knew about the sessions, allegedly disguised as English classes, and that they were part of a plot to undermine state institutions.

No flight risk, Ingabire says

Ingabire also argued that she is not a flight risk, pointing to her history of respecting court summons even after a presidential pardon. She said she remained in Rwanda after being denied permission to travel abroad to visit family.

“I am a woman of principles,” she told the court. “My political work is peaceful.”

The Prosecution disagreed, arguing that the seriousness of the charges, some of which carry penalties over five years, create a strong incentive to flee. Prosecutors also warned she might interfere with ongoing investigations or help remaining suspects evade justice.

Verdict due August 7

After hearing both sides, the presiding judge said the court will deliver its ruling on August 7, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.