Rwandan opposition figure Ingabire Victoire Umuhoza has confirmed being summoned by the High Court incase involving nine people accused of plotting to overthrow the Government.
Ingabire stated, “Today I was summoned to appear before the court on Thursday, June 19, 2025. I am waiting for an official letter delivered through legal channels with detailed information.”
The accused are allegedly affiliated with the unrecognized political DALFA-Umurinzi, founded by Ingabire. The prosecution claims that some of the accused had links with her, received financial support and were trained in non-violent strategies to remove the government.
During the hearing on June 17, 2025, the judge asked why Ingabire, despite being repeatedly mentioned and alleged to be heavily involved, was not among those being prosecuted. The prosecution responded that it has the discretion to decide whom to charge.
They also referenced another person, Assoumpta, believed to have played a key role but who wasn’t summoned due to unknown whereabouts in Europe.
Defense lawyer Me Gatera Gashabana criticized the prosecution, saying it chose to target “easier” individuals and ignored others who should also be held accountable.
One of the accused, journalist Theoneste Nsengimana, denied the charges. Another, Sylvain Sibomana, rejected claims of organizing any training or being affiliated with Ingabire’s party.
Ingabire, who was released in 2018 through a presidential pardon after serving time on charges including endangering state security and genocide denial, is expected to testify in court on June 19, 2025
Brenna AKARABO/Intern
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