The trial of Rwandan opposition figure Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza opened before the High Court in Kigali on Monday, June 15, but was immediately overshadowed by allegations that she is being held under detention conditions that violate her fundamental rights.
Ingabire asked the court to adjourn the hearing, arguing that restrictions imposed during her custody had undermined her ability to prepare an adequate defence and had negatively affected her physical and mental wellbeing.
Appearing before the court, she said she has been denied contact with her family, prevented from communicating with her co-defendants, and barred from attending religious services.
“I am not able to be tried because physically, emotionally, and spiritually, I am not ready,” Ingabire told the court.
She further argued that her inability to meet and consult with co-accused persons—whose cases were merged with hers—had significantly hampered trial preparations. According to her, the restrictions on family visits and worship have also taken a toll on her mental health, physical condition, and religious freedom.
Ingabire also raised concerns over her detention conditions, alleging difficulties in accessing personal care items needed to manage existing medical and skin conditions.
Her legal team urged the court to assess the circumstances under which she is being held, arguing that the concerns raised go beyond administrative limitations and touch on fundamental rights and human dignity.
Supporters of Ingabire have described the restrictions as violations of internationally recognised standards for the treatment of prisoners, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Mandela Rules.
However, prosecutors opposed the request for an adjournment, arguing that the issues raised did not amount to valid legal grounds for postponing the trial.
“The issues presented are largely emotional in nature,” the prosecution said, adding that matters relating to prison administration fall outside its mandate and should not halt court proceedings.
The prosecution further told the court that Ingabire has been receiving visitors, and that any complaints regarding communication or detention conditions should be addressed through prison authorities.
Ingabire is facing six charges, including forming or joining a criminal organisation, conspiring to commit offences against the government, inciting public disorder, resisting lawful authority, participating in unlawful demonstrations, and spreading information allegedly intended to damage Rwanda’s image abroad. She is being tried alongside eight co-accused persons, including media commentator Theoneste Nsengimana.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the court adjourned the case until June 16, when judges are expected to rule on Ingabire’s objections and determine whether the trial will proceed.
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