by Boniface Twagirimana.

On 15 September 2011, Eric Nshimyumuremyi, a member of the opposition party (Parti Social Imberakuri) was gunned down and seriously injured by plain clothes military intelligence officers manning the unfamous �Kwa Gacinya� illegal detention facility. The incident occurred around 17:00 in Gikondo location, while he was heading home after a whole day at the High Court attending Victoire Ingabire trial. The police arrived to the scene, and despite the serious chest gunshot, they just tied his hands behind his back and left him bleeding for about two hours before taking him to the hospital. A police spokesperson told the media that he is a dangerous criminal and that an investigation for �unlawful possession of weapon� was open.

Those reasons are baseless. There was no warning before the shooting. We strongly believe that the rules of engagement have not been observed by the officer. No firearms was found neither on him nor in his house.

Death threats against opposition leaders have increased during Ingabire trial. For example on 05 September 2011, Nyarugenge District Police chief Bertin Mutezintare threatened to kill Mr. Sylvain Sibomana, FDU-Inkingi Secretary General. On 15 September 2011, the same police chief renewed his threats and told him face-to-face that he will handcuff him soon .

We call upon the government to make sure that security personnel does not use their positions to intimidate people; to prosecute the life attempt against opposition members and to ensure that rules of engagement are clear and respected.

FDU-Inkingi
Boniface Twagirimana
Interim Vice President.