The trial in substance had initially been suspended when the High Court summoned Victoire Ingabire —who was not originally part of the case—to provide clarification in court.
Her summons was based on Article 106 of the Rwandan law on offenses and penalties in general, which allows additional investigation when initial explanations are deemed insufficient. After her court appearance, the judges found her statement lacking and instructed the Prosecution to launch a more thorough investigation.
Ingabire, a self-proclaimed opposition politician, is facing six charges. These include harm to the current government, spreading false information or propaganda intended to turn foreign nations against Rwanda, creating or joining a criminal group, and plotting illegal activities such as demonstrations and subversion.
When she appeared before the Kicukiro Primary Court seeking bail, she denied all charges. However, the court remanded her for 30 days, citing serious grounds for suspecting her involvement in the alleged crimes.
While that case was underway, the High Court trial involving the other nine defendants—former Dalfa Umurinzi party members and journalist Nsengimana—was put on hold, pending a decision on whether Ingabire would be formally added to the case.
Ingabire was expected to appear for the first time as a co-defendant on July 23, 2025. However, the court has postponed the proceedings to September 1, 2025, due to the judicial recess now beginning.
The nine co-accused had already entered their pleas. The prosecution was due to present its final submissions, after which the defendants would respond before the court concluded the trial for deliberation.
Once the trial resumes, Ingabire will be allowed to present her defense and submit any exculpatory evidence. After her statement, the prosecution will submit its final recommendation, which will be addressed by all defendants before the judges begin deliberations.
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