Freedom Now is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former military officer and political prisoner Tom Byabagamba on August 25. We extend our sincere condolences to his loved ones at this difficult time.
Byabagamba, who was 59 years old, had spent the last 12 years in prison on politically motivated charges related to his criticism of President Paul Kagame’s government. In July 2017, Freedom Now submitted a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on behalf of Byabagamba, his brother-in-law Frank Rusagara, and a colleague, François Kabayiza. In December 2017, the Working Group found that Rwanda had violated international law by detaining them and called for their immediate release. The Rwandan government ignored this order and, sadly, Rusagara also died while still in prison, in March 2025.
Byabagamba suffered serious health issues while in prison, compounding the injustice he faced. We take this moment to renew our calls on the Rwandan government to release all political prisoners and ensure health and safety conditions in all detention facilities meet international standards.