Rwandan opponent Paul Rusesabagina remains in prison

Rwandan opponent Paul Rusesabagina (center) accompanied by his lawyer David Rugaza (right) at the Nyarugenge court of justice in Kigali, October 2, 2020. AFP / Simon Wohlfahrt

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2 min

This Friday October 2, the Rwandan justice once again rejected the request for release on bail of Paul Rusesabagina, known to have saved many lives during the genocide of the Tutsis.

This opponent of President Paul Kagame is targeted by 13 charges, all linked to acts of terrorism.

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With our correspondent in Kigali,

The court ruled that Paul Rusesabagina could flee the country if he was released, and therefore dismissed his application for bail on appeal.

The judge also responded to certain points raised by the defense, as well as by

, who believes that he should be tried in Belgium because of his Belgian nationality.

" 

 ", declared the judge, also specifying that the Rwandan justice was competent to judge the case since the crimes were committed in Rwanda .

His role in the FLN soon debated

Paul Rusesabagina is indeed suspected of being responsible for the attacks attributed to the FLN, which was until recently the armed wing of the MRCD, a platform that brings together several opposition movements in exile, including that of the hero of Hotel Rwanda.

For his part, Paul Rusesabagina ensures that he only played a diplomatic role in this organization.

This point will be debated during the trial, the date of which is not yet known.

His Rwandan lawyer, David Rugaza, in any case declared himself dissatisfied with the court's decision, and assured that he will renew his request for release on bail as soon as possible.

This lawyer is however not recognized by the family of Paul Rusesabagina who accuses him of working in the interest of the Rwandan government.

►Also read: Rwanda: Paul Rusesabagina's children seek international support

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Rwanda: Paul Rusesabagina's children seek international support

From his cell in Kigali, the Rwandan opponent Paul Rusesabagina testifies