Joseph Mazimpaka

Illustration of man running down a rural road
Joseph Mazimpaka fled Rwanda in 2013. He had refused to fight with the M23, an abusive armed group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo which is supported by Rwanda. © 2023 John Holmes for Human Rights Watch
Illustration of a crowded market
Mazimpaka spent some time in Uganda, but left when he was being followed. He eventually settled in Tanzania. © 2023 John Holmes for Human Rights Watch
Illustration of three men at night
In August 2017, a group of men attempted to kidnap Mazimpaka while living in Tanzania. The group was led by a Rwandan intelligence agent. © 2023 John Holmes for Human Rights Watch
Illustration of a blindfolded man in the back of a van with a flashlight being shined on him
Tanzanian police intercepted the group’s car, with Mazimpaka bound and blindfolded in the back. Mazimpaka and his kidnappers were arrested, put on trial and convicted of entering Tanzania illegally. However, given what he had been through, the judge decided to drop the conviction. No charges were brought against the kidnappers for kidnapping or attempted kidnapping. © 2023 John Holmes for Human Rights Watch
Group of people outside in a village
Mazimpaka’s brother in Rwanda went missing in 2016. Several other family members had to flee Rwanda and now live in refugee camps. © 2023 John Holmes for Human Rights Watch
Illustration of a man speaking to a woman in a shop
Mazimpaka’s wife was granted refugee status in a southern African country. On several occasions she was visited by men speaking Kinyarwanda – Rwanda’s national language. The men accused her husband of being “an enemy of the country” and told her to separate from him. © 2023 John Holmes for Human Rights Watch
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