The hearing of an appeal filed by the former State Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Theoneste Mutsindashyaka has been postponed to January 27 due to Swine Flu outbreak in the Central Prison.

Recent reports indicated that Kigali Central Prison, commonly known as 1930, had recorded five cases of the deadly influenza H1N1 (Swine Flu).

Mutsindashyaka has been detained at this prison since late last year following his sentencing to one year by the Kacyiru Primary Court over mismanagement of a multi-million tender to construct the headquarters of the Eastern Province when he served as its Governor.

Members of the press, friends and relatives waited impatiently at the Gasabo Intermediate Court while others stood in groups debating about the case.

A court official later came and announced the adjournment.
When contacted, the court president, Fabien Kiiza, confirmed Swine Flu reports in the prison was the reason behind the postponement of the hearing.

Meanwhile, the Director of Kigali Central Prison, Dative Mukanyangezi, told The New Times that the prison has been under quarantine since last week which is expected to be lifted on Monday.

"We had written to all relevant courts not to expect prisoners from our facility because of Swine Flu, but a team of doctors have just completed all tests needed and no more risks have been detected,” Mukanyangezi said by phone yesterday.

"The situation is calm now, no cause for any alarm,” Mukanyangenzi added.

She added that Mutsindashyaka and his co-accused could not report to their respective courtrooms to prevent farther spread of the virus.

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