Rwanda engages UK government over arrest of NISS chief

By: TIMES REPORTER, 23  June 2015, The New Times (Rwanda)

Rwanda has sought an explanation from the UK government on why the head of the National Intelligence and Security Services, General Karenzi Karake was prevented from boarding a flight to Kigali, from London.

General Karenzi had been on official duty in London for one week. According to the Minister for Justice, Johnston Busingye, General Karake was presented in Court for identification on Sunday and told he will appear again on Thursday.

“We are handling the matter with the UK Government. They have better details on this evolving situation,” Busingye said. While some media reports indicated that General Karake’s arrest was in connection to a Spanish indictment, Minister Busingye pointed out that the 2008 Spanish Indictment failed to meet the Interpol threshold and its legitimacy was recently seriously questioned by Spanish Justice.

“I would be surprised if it is one the UK is acting on. We will contest in the Courts. We have sought explanation from the UK on this matter as well,” Busingye added.