PHOTOS: ‘I am coming back a changed man,’ says prisoner released on parole

Emotions ran high at Nyarugenge Correctional Facility on Thursday, March 5, as several inmates walked out of the gates after being granted release on parole. For many of the nearly 1,900 whose release on parole was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, this is more than just an opportunity to reunite with their families but also to rebuild their lives with a different attitude. Among them was Andrew Bariyo, who had been serving a two-year sentence for issuing a bounced cheque since April 2024. ALSO READ: Close to 1,900 convicts set to be released on parole “I was remaining with only 40 days to complete my sentence,” he said shortly after learning that he would be released. “I am very, very happy, to tell you the truth.” Bariyo described his time in the correctional facility as a transformative experience, saying it helped him reflect on his actions and their impact on society. “Here it is no longer regarded simply as a prison; it is a correctional facility where there are many programmes that help inmates change their mindset and behaviour,” he said. “You learn to understand that you committed a crime and that it affected society. But you are also reminded that you are not cut off from society forever. One day, you will regain your freedom and return to the community.” According to Bariyo, the lessons he learned during his incarceration helped him realise the importance of personal responsibility and long-term thinking. “When I issued that bounced cheque, I was not thinking far ahead,” he admitted. “But the time I have spent here has taught me to think bigger and to take responsibility for both my good and bad actions.” As he prepares to reunite with his loved ones, Bariyo said his message to his family and community is I am coming back as a changed man.” “Those who had a bad image of me should know that I am returning as a better person.” He acknowledged that reintegration will come with challenges, especially as he works to support his family again. “I have children who depend on me, and I am thinking about how I will rebuild my life and provide for them,” he said. “But I am ready to start again.” A life-changing moment For Scovia Bantegeye, a mother of three, the news of her release was overwhelming. Bantegeye had been serving a two-year sentence at Nyarugenge Correctional Facility after being convicted of fraud. She had already served one year and 11 months of her sentence. She had previously applied for provisional parole but was uncertain whether her request would be granted. “When I heard the news, it was a life-changing moment,” she said. “I was so happy that I cried.” Bantegeye said her time in Mageragere allowed her to reflect on her actions and prepare for a different future. “I am now a changed person and ready to reintegrate into the community,” she said. She explained that inmates are also provided with vocational training to help them rebuild their lives after release. “Here we learned different skills, including hairdressing services,” she said. “I plan to use these skills when I return home so I can earn a living.” Bantegeye also expressed empathy for those who remain behind bars. “There are others who are still serving their sentences and hoping for the same opportunity,” she said. “Even if someone has one month left, every minute in prison matters.” “A second chance” Another beneficiary, Theophile Habinshuti, had been serving a seven-year sentence after being convicted of circulating counterfeit money. Habinshuti, who still had one year and three months to serve, said he had not expected to be released early and had prepared himself to serve the remainder of his sentence. “This came as a surprise,” he said. “I thought I would have to serve the full sentence.” Habinshuti said he views the parole as a second chance and promised to make the most of it. “We will not disappoint those who have trusted us with this opportunity,” he said. “To the community, I want to say that I am ready to rejoin society and contribute to building our country.” Nationwide parole release The release on parole is for 1,847 inmates across correctional facilities in Rwanda, including five juveniles. The decision formalised by a Ministerial Order outlines the conditions governing the release. Under the order, parole beneficiaries must comply with several conditions. They are required to report to the Prosecutor at the primary level in the area where they reside and inform the prosecution office of their exact residence, village, cell, sector, and district, within 15 days of the publication of the order in the Official Gazette. They must also appear before the prosecutor once every month on a date determined by the prosecution office. Additionally, parolees are required to seek authorisation from the Minister of Justice if they wish to travel abroad. In cases where individuals cannot comply with the reporting requirements due to unforeseen circumstances, they are allowed to notify the prosecutor using information technology and explain the reasons for their absence. Once the obstacle has been resolved, they must report to the local village administration, which will then communicate with the prosecutor. These conditions remain in effect until the parole beneficiary completes the remainder of the prison term they would otherwise have served. Possibility of revocation The ministerial order also provides the circumstances under which parole can be revoked. The Minister of Justice may revoke parole upon request from the prosecution if the beneficiary commits another offence, demonstrates notorious misconduct, or violates any of the conditions set out in the order. In urgent situations, the prosecution may arrest the parole beneficiary and inform the minister. If parole is revoked, the individual is required to serve the remainder of the prison term that was left at the time the parole was granted. Role of rehabilitation programmes Hilary Sengabo, spokesperson for the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), said the release reflects the impact of rehabilitation programmes implemented within correctional facilities. “Whoever applies and proves to be deserving of conditional release is listed and forwarded to the relevant authorities for approval,” Sengabo said. He explained that eligibility is largely based on the conduct of the convict during the sentence. “The role of the Rwanda Correctional Service is to ensure safe custody and rehabilitation of inmates and to prepare the list of eligible candidates for conditional release,” he said. According to Sengabo, the screening process involves a joint panel composed of representatives from several institutions, including RCS, the Rwanda National Police, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, the Rwanda Defence Force, and the National Intelligence and Security Service. Once an inmate is released, responsibility for their reintegration shifts to the community. “The role of the correctional facility administration ends at the gate,” Sengabo said. “These people have undergone rehabilitation. The community should help them reintegrate instead of judging them.”

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PHOTOS: ‘I am coming back a changed man,’ says prisoner released on parole