The MPs from European Union who are in Rwanda for three days held a press conference and told media that they have been denied access to Ingabire Victoire who is jailed for having denied Genocide against the Tutsi and related crimes.
The leading EU Parliamentarian Iratxe Garcia Perez revealed that the delegation told reporters that since their arrival they visited women organizations, Ministry of gender and family promotion, Isange One Stop Center among other institutions.
She lauded the efforts that the Rwandan government deployed in protecting women’s rights and issues through the establishment of the One Stop Center.
Garcia Perez said that in connection to the EU ‘ resolution on 23 May 2013, on Rwanda: Case of Victoire Ingabire that concerns the imprisonment of Ingabire Victoire, the delegation asked official permission to visit her but were denied access.
She said that the aim was to discuss with her on her situation in jail as they already had information to prove them wrong or right bu they faced a total denial to meet her.
Garcia said that meeting Ingabire and have her version on how human rights are protected in Rwanda would have helped them acquire a complete and balanced perception on human rights protection in Rwanda.
She revealed that in EU political prisoners are allowed to express views on political issues.
European Union is a key bilateral partner with Rwanda as it donates not less than 175 million Euro every year which equals to 140 billion Rwf.
Last year the EU has promised to provide Rwanda with 460 million Euros package that will be delivered in installments.
European Union backs Rwanda in different sectors including infrastructures, justice, good governance efforts, among other key sectors of national scope.
This year on June, the European Union signed an agreement according which it will provide a monetary package of 200 million Euro to invest in agriculture sector.
UM– USEKE.RW
