This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

A Rwandan judge has ordered the release on bail of a vocal critic of Paul Kagame, the president, raising hopes for greater political tolerance after the release last month of another jailed high-profile opposition figure.

Diane Rwigara, who was jailed in October 2017 on charges of incitement and forgery that were widely seen as politically motivated, will be released immediately but she is not allowed to leave the capital Kigali without the prosecutor’s authorisation.

The 37-year-old businesswoman and activist has repeatedly accused Kagame of stifling dissent and criticised his Rwandan Patriotic Front’s near-total hold on power.

“It’s a great day for us and we are looking forward for a fair trial ahead,” Rwigara’s sister, Anne, said.

Freed Rwandan opposition leader vows to continue struggle Read more

Kagame has won international praise for the stability and economic development he has brought to Rwanda since the 1994 genocide, when an estimated 800,000 people were killed, but he has also been accused of running an authoritarian, one-party state.

The 60-year-old former soldier won a landslide victory last year, securing a third term in office with 99% of the vote. His ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front remains unchallenged, and has developed substantial economic interests.

Rights groups say Kagame has muzzled independent media and repressed opponents. The government rejects the charges.

In recent months, the authorities have sent mixed signals, pardoning prisoners while introducing fresh restrictions on media freedom.

A new law has made drawing cartoons or producing writing that “humiliates” a government official punishable by a maximum of two years in prison and a fine of $1,145 (£875). If the cartoon targets a member of parliament or top-ranking official, the penalty doubles.

Rwigara was released after judge Claire Bukuba dismissed the prosecution’s claim that she was a risk to the country’s national security.

Rwandan president's challenger charged with inciting insurrection Read more

The courtroom, which was packed with diplomats, journalists and relatives, erupted into cheers and several people shouted “Praise to God!” when the judge read her decision.

Rwigara’s mother, whowas arrested with her daughter, was also released.

The unexpected decision came just weeks after more than 1,000 prisoners were released following a presidential pardon.

They included Victoire Ingabire, 49, who was arrested in 2010 and given a 15-year sentence two years later when he was convicted of terrorist conspiracy and downplaying Rwanda’s 1994 genocide.

“It’s good that I am out of prison,” Ingabire, who leads the FDU-Inkingi opposition party, said after her release. “It appears that the government has finally realised it can work with us. This is good.”

Supporters said the real reason for Ingabire’s detention was the former lawyer’s criticism of the government before the 2010 presidential election. They say the charges were a fabrication and politically motivated.

After attending Friday’s court hearing, Ingabire said she was very happy that Rwigara had been released. “I hope this is the beginning of the opening of political space in Rwanda”, she said.

Last month, two opposition MPs won seats in the country’s 80-seat parliament for the first time.