Ingabire accomplices denied bail

KIGALI - The Intermediate Court of Gasabo yesterday turned down bail applications for two suspects accused alongside Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, for planning activities aimed at causing state insecurity. Ingabire is the president of FDU-Inkingi, a Europe-based organisation that is trying to establish itself as a political party in the country. Judge Maurice Mbishibishi, upheld the request by prosecution not to release Lt. Col. Tharcisse Nditurende and Lt. Col. Noel Habiyambere, former senior commanders of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), because their charges were serious and they could escape if released. They were remanded for 30 days as investigations into the case continue. The duo on Thursday admitted having worked in cohorts with Ingabire and Paul Rusesabagina to form rebel groups in Eastern DRC with an aim of causing state insecurity in Rwanda. “The decision to deny bail is based on the valid reasons put forward by the prosecution that despite the two having pled guilty, they were arrested forcefully and did not willingly surrender, which could lead to their escape if released,” pronounced Mbishibishi. Court also considered the fact that the accused did not have any permanent addresses in Rwanda having left the country to DRC over 15 years ago and there was no convincing reason to show that they would not disappear. The two former rebels were arrested by Burundian authorities in Bujumbura where they had gone on errands to facilitate the formation of a rebel group. They admitted having met Ingabire, on several occasions, and also stayed in touch with Rusesabagina before they were arrested by Burundian authorities and effectively extradited to Rwanda. A report by a UN Group of Experts listed FDU among organisations that support terrorism, and particularly named Ingabire. She is currently out on bail. Ends

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Ingabire accomplices denied bail