At least 6,836 cases were tried during free legal aid week in the country. This was disclosed at the closing of the activities last Friday in Kamonyi District.The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Pascal Bizimana Rugemintwari, said among the cases that were heard and resolved, 973 involved inmates some of who were set free after being exonerated in different correctional centres. Other cases involved juveniles.“About 144 children’s files were registered; some were handled while others will be handled at a later date,” Rugemintwari said.Jacque Rutsinga, Kamonyi district mayor, said 44 cases were disposed of in his district alone.Andrew Kananga, the executive director of Legal aid Forum, said other than children, they intend to focus on adults who cannot manage legal services next year.One of the beneficiaries of pro bono legal aid Joseph Niyifasha, of Kamonyi said he was relieved after his five-year-old case involving property was heard and disposed of. “I wish this free legal aid Week would be there at least twice a month,” he said.As part of the activities, residents were also sensitised on their rights, and legal guarantees, according to Rugemintwari.The week dedicated to free legal services is a campaign by the Ministry of Justice, Supreme Court, National Public Prosecution Authority, Kigali Bar Association, Legal Aid Forum, National Police and Rwanda Correctional Services, among others.Legal services were provided to the poor, including minors. Over 20 judges, 17 prosecutors and 40 lawyers were lined up for the free service.
