The trial involving 21 terror suspects linked to MRCD and its military wing FLN will resume on Friday, March 12. It was adjourned by the High Court Special Chamber for International and Cross-border Crimes on Thursday, following the absense of lawyers to some of the suspects. All 21 suspects attended the hearing in-person. However, Paul Rusesabagina, one of the suspects did not have any of his two lawyers present. Also absent was Youssuf Mugabo, who represents three other suspects. Addressing court Rusesabagina said that after the court on Wednesday ruled that his objection based on claims of abduction was baseless, he and his lawyer told court that he would appeal against the decision. He then said that he agreed with his lawyer Jean-Félix Rudakemwa that there would not be need to attend trial on Thursday. However , prosecution underscored that it was absurd that a professional lawyer can miss a hearing that he was informed about without giving an understandable reason. The prosecutors led by Deputy Prosecutor General Angelique Habyarimana urged court to sanction Rudakemwa. Additionally, prosecution mentioned that considering that some of the accused were not represented by their respective lawyers, proceeding with the case may tamper fair justice, therefore, requesting for the postponement of the case. However, Callixte Nsabimana alias Sankara and his lawyer Moise Ndushabandi requested the court to proceed with the trial in substance, noting that the absenteeism of Rudakemwa is a tactic to delay the case. Nsabimana said he has been in court since 2019, adding that delays instigated by his co-accused are not fair to him. Nsabimana, who was once a spokesperson of FLN militia that on several occasions attacked the south-western part of Rwanda, was arrested in 2019. Court ruled that the case be adjourned to Friday at 8:30 a.m, on the basis of ensuring fair justice that requires that a suspect must have legal representation. The court also ordered that all lawyers should be present during the hearing. All the 21 individuals involved in the case are accused of crimes related to terrorism, following terror attacks that took place in south-western Rwanda between 2018 and 2019 and claimed nine lives.
