Today is Good Friday; the day when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross to save humanity. His crime was claiming that he was the son of God and King of the Jews, which was against the Jewish law. Although Pontius Pilate did not find any fault in Jesus, he still succumbed to pressure to convict Jesus. He was accused of disobeying the laws of the land with impunity.

It’s over 1800 years since, but if his trial had happened today, how many lawyers would be willing to defend him in court? Society Magazine sought the views of a cross section of lawyers and the public on whether they would offer legal services to Jesus.

Connie Bwiza - MP

I am only human and Jesus came, lived and died for a cause beyond myself. A great cause to save human kind; I really don’t think I could take on the role to stop something that was planned by the Almighty Father. Much as I would have loved to stand and plead for Jesus, I don’t think I would have had the mandate to do so. He was faultless and His mission on earth was divine and devout but it was God’s plan for him to suffer for us. So I wouldn’t have been of much help when they mocked, scorned and crucified him.

Dan Gasatura – Lawyer, Trust Law Chambers

Yes I would because everyone has a right to be represented in court. As a Christian, it would be an honour to defend my master. Secondly, when we look at the charges against Him, it would be hard to find concrete evidence to convict him, everything is based on hearsay. In the courts of law nowadays, evidence is of paramount importance. Another reason why I would represent him is because the case would make me famous. The case would be popular and that would be good for business. However, if push came to shove and I’m about to lose the case, then I would plead insanity.

Senderi International Hit - Musician

Jesus was an innocent man. He lived a righteous life and all he did was preach peace, love and joy. Even though He had so many cases imposed on Him, I would stand by him and defend him based on what he preached and the miracles he performed. Jesus cared about the common man, like me, so why wouldn’t I return that favour? Such a man didn’t deserve to be convicted with murderers like he was. It isn’t about cases against him but what he actually did, and I would go for that.

Alain Numa - Promotion and sponsorship coordinator, MTN

No, I wouldn’t, and that is based on all sorts of angles. First of all, from the political angle, it would be going against state regulations because some of Jesus’ charges were that he was doing things that were not allowed at the time by the state. From the religious angle, that would be even more disastrous because it would mean that after losing the case, I would also be killed along with Him. When you look at his disciples, they also ran away because they didn’t have the will to be killed with him. So, I wouldn’t represent Him.

Fatuma Muhoza aka Nina – Actress & Musician

Yes of course, I would represent Him. I think what happened way back is that the majority of the people, apart from the disciples, didn’t really know who He was or what He was doing but if He came to me today, I would represent Him because I know who He is and what He does. On the other hand, everyone deserves a chance to explain themselves; Jesus was never given that chance. So, I would see to it that he gets a fair hearing regardless of the outcome.

Claude Kabengera – Journalist

I would represent Him but that would depend on two factors. The first factor is to give Him a chance to explain Himself. Secondly, I would want to consider the issue of belief. It is difficult to defend someone on religious matters when you don’t share the same faith. In that case, if my beliefs are not the same as His, then I would advise Him to get someone else but if He came to me as a lawyer and we shared the same belief, then I would definitely defend Him.

Bruce Melody - Musician

Honestly, I don’t think I would be in the position to be Jesus’ lawyer. He had so many cases against him and the information about his innocence was hidden from the public. I don’t think I would win that case so it would be pointless to try. A lawyer without the right information in favour of his client isn’t a lawyer at all, so I wouldn’t take the case on just to lose.

Maitre Christian-Joseph Ndondera, Advocate at Cabinet d’Avocats, Haguma Associés, Kigali

How it works with a client and his advocate is that they sit and talk about the case as the client describes what happened. Everything that the lawyer does depends on the demands of the client and in the case of Jesus, he definitely knew what his mission on earth was and he knew what he had to fulfill. Jesus wouldn’t want to win the case irrespective of his innocence. So I wouldn’t be able to do much with a client like Jesus. I would get close to him, encourage him but at the end of the day, he had a predetermined mission.

Pius Rukabuza aka Dj Pius – Law graduate/Musician & professional DJ

(Laughs) I don’t think I would represent him. There are many things to consider; Jesus was a poor guy, this means He wouldn’t be able afford my legal services. Secondly, when you look at the Bible, people were too conservative, as it is today;it wouldn’t be easy convincing them to have an open mind. His claims would also make it difficult to defend him in court, especially when many people don’t believe in Him. I know things have changed but I wouldn’t represent him.

Fridah Mahoro – Law Student at Institute of Legal Practice and Development

Jesus wasn’t judged fairly. During his trial, everyone was already shouting ‘guilty’ and calling for his killing. To be honest, every lawyer wants a case they would win but by the look of things, that wouldn’t have been a win. It was already predetermined so I don’t think I would defend him. I do believe in Jesus and really appreciate that he gave up his life to die for my sins but this case was a loss from the start.

Alain Mukurarinda - Prosecutor

I would definitely represent him because every person has a right to be represented in court. If, for example, he was too poor to afford legal representation and he proved it, I would contact the Rwanda Bar Association to get Him a lawyer and the Bar would pay the lawyer.

Khizz Kizito – Managing Director of Incredible records

I am a Christian and being a Christian means being a follower of Christ. I would defend him because I do believe that he is the Son of God and holds the key to everlasting life in heaven. Even though I would be defending someone with so many charges preferred against Him, I would be investing in the life after the life on earth and I think it is worth my time and energy. Yes I would accept to take on Jesus’ case.

Eugene Anangwe – Radio personality

Yes, I would represent Jesus in court because if I won the case; that would mean lots of money for me. To put it simply, it would be a good case for business. Secondly, it’s a way of telling him not to forget me when he gets to heaven. Basically, if I helped him, then he should also help me get to heaven. So, I wouldn’t hesitate to represent him.

Ciney – Artiste

I would definitely defend Jesus. He has done a lot in my life and made me feel at peace in tough times and that would be reason enough to get me up, look for evidence that he is innocent and make my case. When you read the Bible, Jesus was convicted based on hearsay and jealousy, with no concrete evidence whatsoever. It wouldn’t have been hard to defend him if someone had come up to dispute the malicious lies about him. I would definitely take on His case, because these days, you have to have evidence, not just words.

David Bayingana – Law graduate & radio presenter

Actually I would represent Jesus because today, it’s all about business. However, it’s important to consider that the charges against him were state issues and treasonable. Issues like claiming that he was king of Jews, yet there was a king, telling people not to pay taxes, and inciting them to rise against the high priests among others. The reason I would represent him is because laws are different these days. We have people who actually study the law. Back in the day, it was the priests who were in-charge of administering the law and they would interpret it their own way.

Today, people actually study law and the laws are flexible. So, yes, I would represent Him.