The High Court in Kigali on Monday, June 15, opened the trial of Victoire Umuhoza Ingabire, who is facing several charges related to forming a criminal organisation. However, Ingabire told the court that she was not ready for the hearing, citing several challenges that she said were affecting her wellbeing and her ability to prepare her defence. ALSO READ: Victoire Ingabire arrested over alleged plot to incite public disorder Ingabire faces six charges, including establishing or joining a criminal organisation, conspiring to commit offences against the government, inciting unrest or disorder among the population, resisting lawful authority, organising or participating in unlawful demonstrations, and spreading false information or harmful propaganda intended to tarnish the country's image abroad. She is being tried alongside eight other individuals, among them Theoneste Nsengimana, the founder of the YouTube channel Umubavu TV. The group is accused of forming or joining a criminal association and conspiring to commit offences against the government or the Head of State. ALSO READ: Supreme Court dismisses Victoire Ingabire’s petition During the hearing on June 15, Ingabire told the court that she was not in a position to proceed with the trial, adding that she had informed to the court about her concerns in a letter dated June 10. “I am not able to be tried because physically, emotionally, and spiritually, I am not ready,” Ingabire said. She argued that she has not been allowed to meet or discuss the alleged charges with the individuals whose cases were combined with hers, even though their proceedings had already commenced in court. She said that this limited her ability to prepare her defence effectively. Ingabire further told the court that she had been unable to communicate with members of her family living abroad. She also complained about what she described as inadequate access to necessities while in detention. “The conditions of life in a correctional facility affect me as well. I am unable to access some necessities. For instance, there is a certain toothpaste I use to manage my dental condition, but I only receive it occasionally. The same applies to the pomade I use for my skin condition,” she said. Additionally, Ingabire alleged that she had not been allowed to attend prayers on Sundays. One of her three lawyers, Gatera Gashabana, requested the court to consider conducting an assessment of her detention conditions. In response, the prosecution argued that the concerns raised by Ingabire did not constitute legal grounds sufficient to postpone the trial. “The issues presented are largely emotional in nature,” the prosecutor stated. “We have examined whether there are legal impediments that would prevent the trial from proceeding, and we have found none.” The prosecutor further maintained that some of the matters raised, particularly those relating to correctional facility administration, fell outside its mandate. “On not being able to communicate with her family, we are aware that she has been receiving visitors, and administrative matters should be addressed by the correctional facility. These are not issues that should stop the trial,” the prosecutor argued. Following submissions from both sides, the presiding judge adjourned the hearing to June 16, when the court is expected to rule on the objections and concerns raised by Ingabire before determining whether the trial can proceed.
