FDC's Turinawe in court on treason charges

 

Ingrid Turinawe, the head of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Women’s League, arrested on Monday in connection with treason charges is set to appear in court today.

 

Upon her arrest, police carried out a search in Turinawe's residence.

 

Police and other sources said the search was conducted at her residence in Manyangwa, along Gayaza road. Turinawe was scheduled to appear in court today but did not.

 

Police spokesperson Judith Nabakooba later in the evening explained why Turinawe did not appear in court, saying police had to carry out the search and the suspect to undergo a medical examination. She accused Turinawe of not cooperating.

 

“At first she claimed that she did not have the keys to the house but later availed them after police informed her that they could break into the house so as to carry out the search,” Nabakooba said.

 

She also said Turinawe declined to be examined by the police surgeon, a requirement for capital offenses suspects. “We are planning to take her to Mulago hospital for the examination,” she said adding that Turinawe will appear in court today 

 

Turinawe was arrested at the home of the FDC leader Col. Kizza Besigye’s home in Kasangati though other reports suggest that the FDC activist was arrested as she went to visit her party president.

 

The Nakawa court issued an arrest warrant for Turinawe a week ago following allegations that she involved herself in the walk-to- work protest aimed at over throwing the government.

 

Following her arrest police said it had opened a file and is investigating Besigye and his housemates over their role in hiding Turinawe and as such could face charges of concealment of treason.

 

A section of members of the opposition who were arrested during the walk to work protests have been charged with treason and other with concealment of treason. Treason carries as death penalty while the penalty for concealment of treason is life imprisonment.