Ingabire Victoire Rejects Judges in Rwanda Court
Ingabire Victoire rejects judges in her ongoing court case in Rwanda. During a recent hearing, she raised objections against the panel of judges, saying she does not trust their independence. The move has sparked new debate about fairness and justice in the country’s legal system.
Her trial also includes several co-defendants, among them former members of the banned Dalfa-Umurinzi political group and journalist Théoneste Nsengimana from Umubavu TV.
Reasons for Rejecting the Judges
1. Legal Representation Issues
Ingabire requested to be represented by a Kenyan lawyer, Emily Kwamboka Osiemo, a member of the Kenya Bar Association. However, Rwanda’s legal system requires reciprocal recognition between countries, meaning Kenyan lawyers must allow Rwandan lawyers to practice in Kenya before being permitted to work in Rwanda. Since this agreement does not exist, her request was denied.
She is currently represented by Me Gatera Gashabana, who also defends other accused persons in the same case. Ingabire insists she should have a lawyer of her personal choice.
2. Appeal to Supreme Court
Ingabire also mentioned that she had filed a complaint with the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of certain investigative decisions. She argued that these violated Rwanda’s Constitution and should be addressed before her trial continues.
3. Lack of Preparation Time
Another reason for her rejection was insufficient time to prepare her defense. She received the prosecutor’s case file only on August 20, 2025, which she believes was too late to prepare adequately.
Legal Procedure of Judge Rejection
In Rwandan law, rejecting a judge—also called recusal—is allowed when a defendant believes the judge cannot remain impartial. The process must be submitted in writing within one day after the trial session where the rejection occurred.
If the rejection is accepted, the judge is replaced and the trial resumes with a new panel. If it is denied, the same judges continue with the case.
Broader Context
Ingabire Victoire has been a central figure in Rwanda’s political and legal debates. Her rejection of the judges highlights ongoing questions about justice, political rights, and fair representation.
This case also comes at a time when Rwanda continues to review its legal systems and strengthen its courts. International human rights organizations and local observers are following closely to see how the court handles Ingabire’s claims.
For more details on Rwanda’s legal framework, you can check the official website of the Ministry of Justice of Rwanda. For related local updates, Amarembo News also covers political and justice-related stories.
Conclusion
The rejection of judges by Ingabire Victoire is more than a personal legal strategy; it is a test of Rwanda’s judicial independence and credibility. Whether or not her requests are accepted, the trial is expected to influence ongoing discussions about political opposition, fair justice, and citizens’ rights in Rwanda.
