FLN victims’ lawyer: We are still demanding for compensation

Faustin Murangwa, the lawyer representing some of the victims of the FLN attacks, has said the release of Paul Rusesabagina will not deter them from continuing to demand for compensation from him and those with whom he was convicted. ALSO READ: Rusesabagina atones for FLN atrocities, seeks presidential pardon Murangwa represents two transport companies that had their mini-buses scorched during the attacks, as well as two other people that were affected during the same attack. The FLN, an armed outfit operating in the east of DR Congo, is the military wing of MRCD, a political entity founded by Rusesabagina. The FLN was responsible for attacks in south-western Rwanda between 2018 and 2019, in which nine people were killed, while more were left injured and property was looted or destroyed. Speaking to The New Times in an exclusive interview, the lawyer said that the presidential pardon granted to the convicts is okay because Rwandan law provides for it, as opposed to the kind of release that “America wanted” earlier that was based on claims that Rusesabagina was innocent. He added: “For us, it was a good thing that he was found guilty by the court and sentenced to imprisonment, and after he admitted that he committed the crimes and asked for forgiveness. “So, if the President grants him a pardon, it would be okay because he has the powers to do so.” ALSO READ: Rusesabagina clemency will not affect reparations – justice ministry But Murangwa noted that though Rusesabagina will not serve the jail term, the reparations demanded by the victims have not been removed. “We are continuing to follow up on our compensations,” he said, adding that after his release, Rusesabagina can use the opportunity to talk to the victims so that the compensations are paid amicably instead of involving enforcement authorities. “We are not the ones who need him, but if he feels that he wants to talk to us and tell us that we should stop the enforcement process that we had already embarked on and he promises to pay on good terms, that would be perfect,” Murangwa said.

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FLN victims’ lawyer: We are still demanding for compensation