Rwandan singer dies as he was being released from prison
Rwandan singer Aimable Bayingana, known for his politically charged lyrics, died while being released from Mageragere prison near Kigali. His family says authorities ignored his deteriorating health in custody. Human rights groups are calling for an independent investigation.
Bayingana was arrested in 2023 over lyrics deemed critical of President Paul Kagame. His lawyer told the BBC that the artist had been treated for asthma and a chronic liver condition for years, and that medication in prison had been intermittent.
Prison authorities said the singer collapsed during release procedures and was rushed to hospital but died en route. His family is demanding that an autopsy report be reviewed by independent experts.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International reminded Rwandan authorities that their treatment of dissident artists is under close scrutiny. An EU representative posted on social media that Brussels expects 'a transparent investigation' from Kigali.
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