[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 189 (Friday, November 30, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H9746-H9747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       JUSTICE FOR DIANE RWIGARA

  (Ms. BONAMICI asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, on December 6, a Rwandan court will decide 
the fate of human rights activist Diane

[[Page H9747]]

Rwigara, who faces up to 22 years in prison for speaking out against 
President Paul Kagame's government, and for running against him to be 
president.
  The politically motivated charges against Diane seek to quash any 
criticism of the ruling party, which has gone largely unchallenged for 
more than 23 years.
  Americans know that freedom of speech is essential to democracy. They 
know that we must protect our right to question our leaders and, 
importantly, encourage that freedom around the world.
  I am sponsoring Diane's case as part of the Tom Lantos Human Rights 
Commission's Defending Freedoms Project, because as Diane faces a 
prolonged jail sentence, she is still calling on fellow Rwandans to 
resist fear and speak for their country,
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in calling for justice 
for Diane.

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