IT IS BUSINESS as usual inside the Nyarugenge prison, commonly known as 1930. Women inmates are drumming as they sing and worship in one room while their male counterparts are busy with different activities. But one female inmate stands out.

With a sense of urgency, she packs her belongings. Later, I learn that she is called Germaine Murekatete, who is set to walk out of the prison to freedom.

In 1990s, court sentenced Murekatete to life in prison for procurement of illegal abortion.

"I was 17 years old when I aborted after I realised that life was hard as an orphan to raise a child without parents. I took the worst decision I have lived to regret. I was later sentenced to life in prison,” narrates the 37-year-old Murekatete.

She entered jail knowing she would never regain her freedom again.

"I had no hope that I would be released, I thought my entire life would be spent as a prisoner,” she said.

Last week’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Paul Kagame, granted presidential pardon to 62 girls and women convicted for abortion, and children under 16.

Another 808 people convicted of various crimes were also granted release on parole. The ministerial order releasing the inmates was gazetted yesterday.

Murekatete heard of the pardon the same day but she could not believe it until it was confirmed by prison officials.

Finally, yesterday morning, Murekatete and other inmates were released. Outside the prison, it was like a party as released inmates hugged each other while also bidding farewell to the prison officials and other inmates.

Wearing a green dress, she tries to hold back tears of joy.

"After hearing of the good news that I would be released, I was overjoyed and thought it was not possible, I never thought I could be released. I am thankful for the President for his mercy and love to us,” she said with a smile.

She said, while in prison, convicts struggle to erase the memories of their crimes.

"One is not safe in prison, you always regret about the crimes you committed, there is always that reflection in your heart,” Murekatete said.

But she added that the time she spent in jail was enough to offer her lessons. She believes she is now reformed and ready to go out and work with others to develop the country.

Murekatete looks forward to working hard to compensate for the lost time so as to uplift herself.

"I learnt a lot while in jail, we learnt tailoring, basket weaving and other art crafts skills which we have been using to earn little money (10 per cent) of sold products. I hope I will use the skills to develop myself,” she said.

"I hope there is better life ahead, I am also aware that there are women cooperatives and good leaders out there that I will work with.”

Other pardoned inmates speak out

Ntakabanyura Mbagirente was sentenced to three years in jail for assault. He still had a year and seven months left on his sentence.

"I am happy to have regained freedom. I still had a long time to spend in prison, even two days are a long time in there. Though I had remained with shorter period to complete my sentence compared to my colleagues, I am grateful that I won’t finish the sentence,” he said.

Brig Gen George Rwigamba, the commissioner-general for Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), urged the pardoned inmates to uphold discipline and integrity to avoid recommitting the crimes.

"Beware that you have not completed your sentences, you should uphold discipline because if you get involved in crimes you can be resentenced, you have to behave well even after you complete your sentences and respect national laws,” he told the inmates.

According to the ministerial order, inmates released on parole should report to the prosecutor at primary level within 15 days from the date of publication of the order in the Official Gazette.

They should also report to the prosecutor at primary level of their residence once every month on a day to be fixed by the prosecutor at the primary level.

Such released inmates should also seek authorisation of the Minister for Justice every time they wish to travel abroad.

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