Rwanda Peoples Party responds to the release of Bernard Ntaganda

By: John Karuranga, President

Malmö, Sweden, June 07, 2014  

Ref: RPP/1BNR/J07-JK/3001/J2014/BNR/PS01

Subj: The release of Bernard NTAGANDA   

 The release of Bernard Ntaganda after four years of imprisonment is wonderful news for everyone who values freedom and human rights. While the Rwanda People’s Party welcomes his release, we condemn in the strongest terms the horrific treatment he received at the hands of the Rwandan Prisons Authority.

 During his incarceration, Mr. Ntaganda, founder and president of the political party PS Imberakuri, was routinely starved, beaten, placed in isolation and tortured. The conditions to which he was subjected have caused his health to deteriorate dramatically, leaving him severely malnourished and unable to speak or to walk without support.

 The RPP holds Hon. Minister Sheikh Mussa Fazil HARERIMANA, Minister of Internal Security and Gen Paul RWARAKABIJE, Commissioner General, Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) personally responsible for the deplorable treatment of Mr. Ntaganda during his imprisonment.  There is no doubt that they neglected their responsibility to adequately supervise the prison employees and fellow inmates who directly committed the abuse of Mr. Ntaganda, and such a blatant violation of the rule of law absolutely cannot be condoned by civilized people. While it is impossible to undo the harm that has been done to Mr. Ntaganda, it is crucial that justice be carried out so that similar situations do not occur in the future, and therefore we demand that they be held accountable for their crimes. Copies of this letter have been forwarded to Minister HARERIMANA and Commissioner General Mr. RWARAKABIJE and we anxiously await their response.

Additionally, members of the RPP call for two things:

•That Mr. Ntanganda immediately be given permission to travel overseas to a country where he can receive the advanced medical treatment he needs as he attempts to regain his health, and

•The immediate and unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners in Rwanda, as well as those prisoners who have served more than 20 years and/or are age 65 or older.

In joining our fellow Rwandans in welcoming Mr. Ntanganda home, we salute his strong spirit and determination to continue fighting for democracy despite the inhumane treatment he has suffered since his arrest in 2010. We wish him a swift and complete recovery, and much success in his future endeavours.

Thank you

John V Karuranga, President

Rwanda People’s Party

www.rwandapeopleparty.org

e-rppimvura@yahoo.com                                                                                                                 

@rppimvura

C.c.         Hon. Minister Sheikh Mussa Fazil HARERIMANA                                                                               

Ministry of Internal Security                                                                                                       

P.O. Box 446, Kigali Rwanda

Commissioner General, Gen Paul RWARABAIJE                                                                

Rwanda Correctional Service                                                                                                                     

P.O. Box 6516,   Kigali, Rwanda