A Rwandan woman who showed interest in August's presidential election has been arrested over suspected offences against state security and forgery, Rwandan police said on Sunday.

Diane Shima Rwigara, a 35-year-old businesswoman, was arrested on Saturday alongside with her mother and sister, according to a statement released by the police.

"During ongoing investigations, police uncovered credible evidence linking the trio to offences against state security," said the statement.

The decision to arrest them was prompted by their behavior during preliminary investigations, "particularly their consistent refusal to cooperate with police and publicly revealing information that is, by law, supposed to be confidential," it said.

On Sept. 4, Rwigara was taken to police for questioning after she refused to respond to three summons, according to police.

Rwigara, the only female who showed interest in the presidential elections held in August, failed to meet all the requirements for being nominated as a candidate by Rwanda's National Electoral Commission (NEC). She fell short of the required number of signatures in all districts in the country, according to NEC.

Rwandan police said the criminal procedure law gives investigators power to detain a suspect for a maximum of five days in order to conclude investigations and decide whether or not to forward the case to prosecution.

Source:
courtesy of XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

by XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

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