Today marks one year since Ms Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza was arrested and detained in violation of the Rwandan constitution. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion described the arrest as retaliation for her political activities and exercise of free speech.
The Fondation Victoire pour la Paix (FVP) extends its thanks to all the individuals and organisations that have supported Ms Ingabire, raising awareness of her situation amongst the international community and calling for her release.
However, the Foundation is deeply concerned for her safety and wellbeing, as she continues to be held in conditions which violate international human rights standards, including the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules.)
Ms Ingabire’s right to family life is being violated. Since her arrest over a year ago, she has only been permitted to speak to her husband three times. She has not been allowed to speak to her children. Unlike other prisoners, Ms Ingabire is not permitted to attend religious services. She does not receive adequate medical care. In addition to the irregularities observed in the handling of Ms Ingabire’s legal case since her arrest, the prison management has refused to allow her to meet and discuss the case with her co-accused, whose cases have been joined with hers, in blatant violation of her rights as an accused.
Ms Ingabire and her lawyers recently presented these challenges to the court, stating that they affect her physically and emotionally and therefore prevent her from participating in the trial.
In light of the ongoing legal irregularities in Ms Ingabire’s case and the unfair treatment she has received in detention, it is clear that she has no hope of receiving a fair trial.
The fear for Ms Ingabire’s safety and wellbeing is only magnified by the recent death of Aimable Karasira, an outspoken critic of the Rwandan government, in the same prison where she is being detained. Mr Karasira passed away on the day of his scheduled release from prison. Human Rights Watch has stated that his death adds to the list of disappearances and suspicious deaths of perceived critics and government opponents. The Rwandan authorities’ failure to deliver justice in these cases deliberately sends a chilling message to others who dare to speak out against the regime.
Against this backdrop, the Fondation Victoire pour la Paix calls on the international community, African human rights bodies, and international observers to intensify their efforts by continuously monitoring the case of Ms Ingabire and tirelessly calling for her immediate and unconditional release, while holding the Rwandan authorities accountable for any suffering they inflict on her. Ms Ingabire’s life is in danger every day she remains in prison.
Done in Brussels, 19 June 2026
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