Victoire Umuhoza Ingabire has told the High Court that she is not ready to proceed with her trial, citing detention conditions and procedural concerns that she says have limited her ability to properly prepare her defence.
The trial on charges including forming or joining an armed criminal group began on June 15, 2026, when Ingabire informed the court that she had raised formal objections in a letter dated June 10.
“I am not in a position to stand trial. Physically, mentally and emotionally, I am not ready,” she told the court.
Ingabire argued that she had not been allowed to meet or communicate with eight co-accused persons whose case files were joined to hers, despite them having already begun proceedings separately. She said this had affected her ability to prepare an adequate defence.
She also told the court that she has been unable to communicate with family members living abroad and raised concerns about conditions in detention, including limited access to items related to her health needs. She further claimed she is not permitted to attend Sunday worship services.
One of her lawyers, Me Gatera Gashabana, asked the court to consider whether the detention conditions were affecting her right to a fair trial and defence.
The prosecution rejected the claims, arguing that the concerns raised do not constitute legal grounds to suspend the proceedings.
“Most of what has been presented relates to emotional concerns. We examined whether there are any legal grounds to halt the proceedings and found none,” the prosecution said.
It added that issues related to detention conditions fall under prison administration and should not delay the trial.
After hearing both sides, the High Court adjourned the case to June 16, 2026, when it is expected to rule on the preliminary objections before deciding whether the trial will proceed.
Ingabire is charged with forming and leading a criminal organization and inciting public disorder.
She was arrested on June 19, 2025, following testimony in a separate case involving nine individuals alleged to be members of her unregistered political party, DALFA-Umurinzi.
