Erlinder is an attention seeking Genocide denier

Editor, I’ve been following the Peter Erlinder story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune (and of course in The New Times). This is my response to the arrogance and misinformation I find in their newspaper, in KEVIN DIAZ and JEREMY HERB article/comments & Editorial: “Attorney unjustly jailed in Rwanda” Firstly of all, many countries have laws against genocide/holocaust denial and that’s a good thing (think of Neo-Nazis, Skinheads, Ku Klux Klan and their hideous ways of thinking). Mr. Peter Erlinder broke the law so he is NOT an “illegal captive.” We all must accept the consequences of our actions. Victoire Ingabire’s party, FDU-Inkingi, is NOT a registered political party so she is NOT an official “opposition presidential candidate.” I am deeply offended by the comment “human life is cheap in Sub-Saharan Africa.” You tell the survivours of the genocide that life doesn’t matter! I know many genocide survivours and I can assure you that life is very precious to them! Erlinder is an attention-seeking, genocide-denying sympathiser of those heinous criminals who very carefully planned, orchestrated and carried out the slaughter of close to 1 million Rwandans. Before becoming so quick to judge I suggest to your readers that they research Rwanda and her history. Rwanda has made tremendous progress in the 16 years since the 1994 genocide and that in itself is a testament to the leadership and people of this country. Lastly, Rwanda is a beautiful country with amazing people. I did not feel the least bit intimidated or afraid while I was there last year. As a matter of fact I fell in love with this incredible country and her people and plan to move there when I retire.” Regarding yesterday’s article in The New Times I would also like to comment on Erlinder’s ridiculous attempt to disguise his arrogance and contempt by saying that “he was not aware that his past publications and speeches would get him into trouble with the Rwandan government.” Since he came to Rwanda to “defend” another genocide denier he was well-aware that genocide denial is totally unacceptable, so don’t play games Mr. Erlinder! Based on some of the other comments I read in theStar Tribune it appears that Erlinder is very well-known, and not especially well-liked, for his aggressive and questionable tactics when he “takes up a cause.” I anxiously await to see the outcome of his latest escapade! Marie Collins africanheart@shaw.ca

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Erlinder is an attention seeking Genocide denier