On Tuesday, July 15, opposition politician Victoire Ingabire appeared before the Kicukiro Primary Court, facing six charges for her alleged role in planning to overthrow the government and forming an armed group.
Ingabire was arrested in June, after the High Court ordered an investigation following testimonies from nine members of a group linked to a separate case.
She denies all charges, arguing she is being prosecuted due to political pressure from the High Court and Prosecutor General. She claims the accusations were already heard four years ago with no basis for renewed prosecution.
Before the hearing began, her lawyer, Maître Gatera Gashabana, raised objections that Ingabire was denied legal representation of her choice—specifically, a Kenyan attorney. This request was blocked due to Rwanda’s law governing foreign lawyers.
Moïse Nkundabarashi, head of the Rwanda Bar Association, explained that even if the Kenyan lawyer was registered, he would not be permitted to appear due to regulations preventing foreign attorneys from representing Rwandans in court.
Ingabire is charged with six offenses, including forming and leading an armed group, inciting public unrest, and plotting to overthrow the government. These charges mirror accusations against nine members of DALFA-Umurinzi, a party founded by Ingabire that is not authorized to operate in Rwanda.
Those nine alleged co-conspirators were arrested in 2021, after attending gatherings on how to challenge the government without arms.
The court is expected to rule on her bail request on July 18.
