Kagame defends justice system

President Paul Kagame has insisted that Rwanda's courts will operate freely in the case of leading dissident politician Diane Rwigara, as prosecutors push for her to face 22 years in jail. As previously reported in Legalbrief Today, Rwigara last week faced a one-day trial in Kigali for allegedly inciting insurrection and forgery. She claims the charges are ‘politically motivated’ after the electoral commission blocked her attempt to challenge Kagame in last year's elections. However, Kagame said ‘our justice works freely … everybody should know that’. A report on the News24 site notes that he also took aim at Michaelle Jean, outgoing head of the world organisation of French-speaking nations known as La Francophonie (OIF), who has raised concerns over the highly sensitive trial. Rwanda's successful bid to lead the OIF sparked controversy because the organisation's remit includes reinforcing democracy.