Rwandan gospel singer Kizito Mihigo , who was found guilty in 2015 of plotting to kill President Paul Kagame, has been found dead in a police cell , authorities confirmed on Monday .

A police statement said Mihigo , 38 , had committed suicide .

Mihigo was sentenced to 10 years in prison for offences including the formation of a criminal gang , conspiracy to murder , and conspiracy against the established government or the president , according to Human Rights Watch .

In 2018 , he was granted a presidential pardon by Kagame.
Last week , however , he was rearrested when crossing the border into Burundi, with police saying it was a breach of the conditions of his pardon .

“ He had been in a police cell for three days as police investigated why he was crossing the border illegally and cases of bribery , ” Police spokesperson Eric Kabera said in the statement .

According to the police, Mihigo had been allowed to meet family members and his lawyer .

It is not known whether he was being held in solitary confinement.

A devout Catholic known for his songs of forgiveness , Mihigo is a cultural icon in Rwanda and his death has been met with disbelief .

“ Mihigo was somebody who is down to earth and loved by many . News about his death is a shock to the country , ” fan William Murinzi said .

President Kagame, who has been in power since 2000 , has been internationally lauded for creating economic growth and stability in Rwanda, but civil society groups accuse him of human rights abuses .

Source:- dpa /NAN

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