More Help Needed: Tweet for Rights in Rwanda

On June 24 we asked you to take action, now we need your help again.

In Rwanda, individuals are often forced to choose between their own safety and their rights to freedom of expression and association. For many years, the Rwandan government has stifled voices of criticism and opposition. 2010 saw an increase in the number of abductions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and the murders of a journalist and political opponent who dared to speak out against the government.

On June 24 we asked for your help in encouraging the Rwandan government to reopen investigations on the one year anniversary of the shooting of Jean-Leonard Rugambage, a journalist and deputy newspaper editor.

Now, we are asking you to add your voice to Amnesty’s in urging officials to reopen investigations into the killing of André Kagwa Rwisereka, vice president of the opposition Democratic Green Party, who was found beheaded one year ago on July 14. His killer has yet to be prosecuted.

Rwandan officials must deliver justice to the families of Rugambage and Rwisereka by conducting independent, thorough investigations into their murders. Furthermore, the Rwandan government must respect the right to freedom of expression and association for all, and ensure that violence is not used to silence dissent.

@PaulKagame: I’m calling on the Rwandan authorities to re-open the investigation into #Rwisereka’s murder 1 year ago

With a follow-up tweet linking to the page with instructions for others who want to take the action:

Join me & message the Rwandan authorities to re-open the investigation into #Rwisereka’s killing @PaulKagame. http://bit.ly/kaxqoK