A Rwandan court has acquitted Diane Rwigara of charges related to her election challenge of President Paul Kagame, with judges saying that the prosecution failed to provide evidence of insurrection and forgery in the capital Kigali on Thursday.
Rwigara's mother, Adeline, 59, also was acquitted of inciting insurrection and promoting sectarianism. Both had denied the charges.
The courtroom at the High Court erupted in applause as Diane Rwigara and her mother were overcome with tears. Excited relatives who had prayed before the hearing for protection swarmed them with hugs.
The 37-year-old Rwigara, who had denounced the charges as politically motivated, had faced 22 years in prison if convicted. She was arrested after trying to run in last year's election.
Diane Rwigara departs from the courthouse after she was acquitted by the High Court in Kigali, December 6, 2018. /VCG Photo
It's reported that Ms Rwigara has repeatedly accused President Kagame of stifling dissent and criticized his party's unyielding grip on power since it assumed control after the country's civil war.
Some Rwandans in Kigali said they were shocked by the court's decision. "I thought the government was angered by Rwigara's criticism and she would be convicted," said Moses Hirwa, a mechanic.
"I am very happy with the verdict," Rwigara was quoted by BBC as saying. "I am continuing with my political journey… because there's still a lot that needs to be done in our country."
(With inputs from agencies)