Rwandan Political Opposition Arrested: Members Tortured, in Agony, Sources Report

Two political groups tell us detained victims of the last police crackdown suffer without relief.

National Police in Rwanda deny allegations. Rwanda Sunday Times photo: Eric Kayiranga

(KIGALI / PORTLAND) - As the National Electoral Commission (NEC) is wrapping up nominations for Presidential Candidates today, reports are circulating of opposition politicians suffering torture and surviving inhumane torment in police cells.

The politicians were arrested last week when they began receiving nominations. The victims are in agony and have been denied medical care, according to a news release issued by United Democratic Forces and the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda.

"The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda (PCC) is deeply concerned with this inhumane treatment from state organs. There are persecuted because they are opposed to the ruling party and were demonstrating for their civil and constitutional rights, since the National Electoral Commission in complicity with other Government institutions have blocked the genuine opposition from participating in the upcoming August presidential elections.

"The planned demonstration on 24th June 2010 was sabotaged by the Government when Maitre NTAGANDA Bernard, founding president of PS Imberakuri was violently grabbed from his home by agents of the National Police. Since then he has been day and night in handcuffs in different police cells. The Party Secretary General, Theobald MUTARAMBIRWA and several Imberakuri members are still held up."

They say the same day, several members of FDU Inkingi were arrested. Though some have been released others are submitted to severe tortures and denied medical attention.

"Ms. Alice MUHIRWA, the party treasurer, is still bleeding due to boots kicks into her stomach. Mr. Sylvain SIBOMANA, the party secretary general, needs an urgent x-ray as he was hardly beaten several times while his legs and arms were tied behind his back. Mr. Theoneste SIBOMANA (party leader in Kigali) needs a concussion evaluation after head injury which was bunged on wall many times during torture. The medical condition of the following prisoners is not known : the party lawyer Maitre Theogene MUHAYEYEZU, and the party member Martin NTAVUKA. They all have symptoms of torture and degrading treatments.

"How can the incumbent President Paul KAGAME, his regime and police explain the arbitrary arrests, torture, inhuman and cruel treatment of the opposition leaders ?

"We call upon the Rwandan Government to immediately release these political prisoners without any further delay and investigate the reported cases of torture and barbaric martyrdom."

Statements were issued at Kigali, 2nd July 2010

Sources:

United Democratic Forces

Democratic Green Party of Rwanda

Also see: newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14311&article=7254 Police Response