Human rights organizations and world leaders call for the release of Ingabire Victoire from 'open-air prison'

Human rights, legal, and civil society organizations are calling on heads of state worldwide to urge Rwandan President Paul Kagame to permit opposition leader Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza the right to reunite with her family. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza has faced relentless persecution from President Kagame’s regime for over a decade.

Background of Persecution

Victoire's persecution began 14 years ago, involving her arrest and conviction after a trial widely condemned as politically motivated and unfair. The African Court of Human and People's Rights ruled that the Rwandan government violated her right to freedom of expression. Despite this, she spent eight years in prison, including five in solitary confinement. After receiving a presidential pardon in 2018, Victoire now lives in an "open-air prison," stripped of civil and political rights, and unable to leave Rwanda. This restriction has prevented her from attending her children's weddings, witnessing the births of her grandchildren, and being with her husband during his final days.

Call for Global Solidarity

As Rwanda approaches its presidential elections on July 15, 2024, it is expected that President Kagame will claim a landslide victory. During this time, he will likely receive congratulatory calls from numerous world leaders. The Lantos Foundation joins African civic and democratic groups in a global humanitarian appeal, urging these leaders to include a "call for Victoire" in their victory messages to Kagame. This appeal demands that Kagame allow Victoire to visit her gravely ill husband in Europe and restore her human rights, especially the right to be with her family.

Broader Context of Political Oppression

Victoire’s plight is not an isolated incident. Across the world, many politicians face imprisonment and persecution for opposing authoritarian regimes. In Belarus, opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova was sentenced to 11 years in prison for her role in protests against President Alexander Lukashenko. In Russia, Alexei Navalny has been repeatedly jailed for his outspoken criticism of President Vladimir Putin. These cases highlight a troubling trend where governments suppress dissent and curtail democratic freedoms.

A Call for Freedom

The international community must stand with Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza and others who are unjustly persecuted for their political beliefs. By urging President Kagame to allow Victoire to reunite with her family, world leaders can send a powerful message in support of human rights and political freedom. The global appeal aims to draw attention to her suffering and prompt influential governments to pressure Kagame to do the right thing. Victoire’s freedom is a step toward justice and respect for human rights in Rwanda and beyond.