Ingabire case resumes today

The trial of Victoire Umuhoza Ingabire, leader of the yet-to-be registered political party, FDU-Inkingi and her four co-accused, resumes today. The case, which will be heard in substance by the High Court, has previously been postponed on two occasions at Ingabire’s request for more time to prepare her defence. Her arguments in both appearances was that she needed time to intensively study the 2,500 pages file and to have it translated to English for some members of her defence team. We are ready to begin the trial as soon as the defence is fully prepared. Our country respects the rights of the accused to a fair and speedy trial,” prosecutor Alain Mukurarinda said in June when the case was last postponed. “We have no problem if she feels that September is more appropriate for her. Ingabire and her co-accused are charged with of providing financial support to a terrorist group, planning to cause state insecurity and divisionism. Prosecution says that there is evidence of Ingabire’s links to terrorist activities, including financial transfers to the DRC bases terrorist group, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). Ingabire’s co-accused are; Col. Tharcisse Nditurende, Lt. Colonel Noel Hitiyaremye, Lt. Jean Marie Vianney Karuta and Major Vital Uwumuremyi, all former commanders of the FDLR. They are all expected to appear in court today. Ends

National

Ingabire case resumes today