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Rwanda: Probing death of government critic in prison

May 18, 2026

Rwandan government critic, Aimable Karasira, died the day he was set to be released from prison. Authorities say he overdosed on prescribed medicine, but rights groups want an independent investigation. What does this incident mean for Rwanda's record on civic freedoms? AfricaLink host Lucy Riley speaks with political commentator Jean Baptiste Gasominari, and DW's Alex Ngarambe in Kigali.

https://p.dw.com/p/5DvZ5

Eyebrows were raised earlier this month when Rwandan government critic, Aimable Karasira, died the day he was set to be released from prison. The former university lecturer and political activist was known for criticizing the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front and was sentenced to a prison term in 2021. 

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AfricaLink Podcast

AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink is packed with news, politics, culture and more — every weekday. From combating health issues and freedom of expression to finances, tolerance and environmental protection, we have it covered.