Ingabire had appealed a ruling by the Kicukiro Primary Court, which had found her detention lawful despite her claims to the contrary.
She had argued that the Prosecution was holding her illegally, saying her 30-day provisional detention had expired before the case was filed in court. However, the Primary Court ruled that her claim had no legal basis, explaining that the final day of the remand period fell on a Sunday, when courts do not operate.
It held that the Prosecution's decision to file the case the following Monday was therefore lawful, since days when courts are closed are not counted.
Dissatisfied with this decision, Ingabire maintained that all calendar days should be counted, regardless of whether they are working days or not. She appealed to the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court, seeking release on provisional bail.
On September 8, 2025, the Intermediate Court rejected her appeal, reaffirming that the Prosecution acted within the law and ordering her continued detention.
Her case has now been referred to the High Council of Justice for trial on the charges she faces. During the trial, she will be expected to present her defence while the Prosecution pursues penalties.
Ingabire, who identifies herself as an opposition politician, faces multiple charges. These include forming an armed group, inciting unrest, plotting against the government, spreading false information and propaganda intended to discredit Rwanda abroad, publishing rumours, conspiring to commit crimes against the state, and organising unlawful demonstrations.
During her initial hearing, she requested a postponement of the trial and sought the dismissal of the judges presiding over her case, arguing that they had already demonstrated bias by approving her prosecution. She claimed that the panel had taken sides against her and asked for a different bench to hear her case.
That request remains under consideration, with the court expected to announce its decision along with the date for the continuation of the trial.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/court-dismisses-victoire-ingabire-s-detention-appeal
