Ingabire Umuhoza Victoire, a prominent opposition figure and convicted genocide denier, appeared before the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on Monday, August 5, to appeal her provisional detention following her recent arrest on charges of genocide ideology, incitement to divisionism, and collaboration with groups allegedly seeking to destabilize Rwanda.
Ingabire, who previously served eight years in prison before receiving a presidential pardon in 2018, is once again at the center of national controversy. Prosecutors allege that since her release, she has continued to disseminate revisionist narratives about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, using coded language and online platforms to promote genocide denial and undermine national unity.
In court, Ingabire—dressed in a modest grey suit—stood before the judges and declared her innocence, arguing that her detention is politically motivated and violates her constitutional rights. Her legal team asserted that she has fully cooperated with investigators and that there is no legal basis to keep her in custody while awaiting trial.
“My client has neither the means nor the intention to flee the country,” her lead counsel told the judges. “She has consistently participated in all judicial proceedings and has demonstrated her commitment to lawful political engagement.”
The prosecution opposed her request for bail, citing the seriousness of the charges, ongoing investigations, and the risk of interference with witnesses. Prosecutors claim Ingabire has maintained contact with individuals affiliated with subversive groups abroad, including known genocide fugitives and members of organizations designated as terrorist by the Rwandan government.
“Releasing her would risk jeopardizing the stability and unity of the country,” said the prosecutor. “She has not only reoffended but has done so while under presidential pardon.”
This is not Ingabire’s first encounter with the Rwandan judiciary. In 2013, she was sentenced to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to undermine the government and denying the Genocide against the Tutsi. Though released in 2018 under a presidential clemency agreement, she was warned to refrain from actions that violate national laws—particularly those related to genocide ideology and hate speech.
Outside the courtroom, a small group of genocide survivors gathered, holding placards denouncing genocide denial and revisionism. One survivor told local media:
“The justice system must remain firm. Denying genocide is not freedom of speech; it is an attack on the memory of our loved ones.”
The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court is expected to issue a ruling on Ingabire’s appeal later this week.
Her case continues to stir intense debate within Rwandan political circles and civil society, with many viewing it as a test of Rwanda’s commitment to combating genocide denial while upholding the rule of law.
Ingabire Umuhoza Victoire returned to Rwanda in 2010 after years in exile in the Netherlands. Upon her arrival, she made controversial remarks at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, questioning the official account of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Her statements and affiliations have since placed her under legal scrutiny and drawn sharp criticism, particularly from genocide survivor organizations.
By: The USA New Times – Kigali
