Prosecution accuses Mugesera of delaying trial

The prosecution has accused Genocide suspect Leon Mugesera of dragging his feet and, in the process slowing down his case especially the pre-detention proceeding. Mugesera, now 59, made an infamous speech in 1992 that prosecution insist played a central part in sparking off the 1994 Genocide, in which more than one million Tutsi were massacred.Prosecutor Rugambwa Ndibwami made the charges against Mugesera following the suspect’s claim that he is ill and was not in a position to stand trial.Mugesera was schedule to appear before court yesterday to inform Judge Saudah Murerehe of Nyarugenge Intermediate Court, whether he managed to put together his defence team.However, when he appeared before the court, he claimed he has been sick since Monday and hence not ready for any court proceeding. “It is clear that Mugesera always has a new excuse to have his case delayed. From the time he claimed he is ill, we consulted his doctor who told us that Mugesera’s illness could not stop him from undergoing any legal procedure.”The suspect, who was deported from Canada in January this year, has until now not been formally charged as he persistently called for adjournment citing different reasons including lack of adequate defence team. “We even hired an independent doctor who examined Mugesera and told us that his illness is very minor and can’t stop him from going to court,” said Prosecutor Ndibwami.Mugesera, however, told court that that the medicine he got has had side effect on him and his doctor is yet to re-check him.In a new twist, Mugesera’s lawyer, Donat Mutunzi claimed that his client does not have a copy of the dossier and asked the judge to order the prosecution to give him the documents.“Upon getting the dossier, I want my client to be given one month to go through it since I am informed that it’s a big document.”The court will today decide on whether to give Mugesera another month.In his 1992 speech, Mugesera, a linguist, allegedly called Tutsis “cockroaches” and “scum,” and encouraged Hutu militias to kill them.Mugesera fled to Canada after his speech and has since the 90s been battling his deportation until he lost and was deported in January.

National

Prosecution accuses Mugesera of delaying trial