(15 Sep 2018) One of Rwanda's most prominent opposition leaders walked free on Saturday after the government approved the early release of more than 2,100 prisoners with little explanation.
Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza's release surprised many in the capital, Kigali, because it is unusual for longtime President Paul Kagame to pardon potential challengers.
Ingabire, head of the FDU-Inkingi opposition party, was arrested in 2010 and found guilty of conspiracy to undermine the government and denying Rwanda's 1994 genocide, charges that she denied.
She was sentenced to 15 years.
Human Rights Watch called the charges politically motivated and linked to her criticism of the government ahead of the 2010 presidential election.
Speaking shortly after her release, a smiling Ingabire thanked the president and said her release indicated the start of the opening of the political space in Rwanda.
Also released on Saturday was musician Kizito Mihigo, who had been convicted on charges of conspiring against the government.
Rwanda's government has long been accused by rights groups of suppressing the opposition and having a justice system that lacks independence, which the government has denied.
Still detained in Rwanda is Diane Rwigara, who tried to challenge Kagame in last year's election but was disqualified from running over allegations that she forged some of the signatures on her nomination papers.
She denied it but was later charged with inciting insurrection.
Critics have said Rwanda's government has been under pressure over Rwigara's arrest and that Ingabire's release was meant to ease it.
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