Lt. Mutabazi in court yesterday
Rwanda’s renegade terror suspect, Lieutenant Joel Mutabazi and 14 other co-accused suspects have made their first appearance before the Nyamirambo military court to face charges of terrorism, conspiracy to murder among others.
Mutabazi, a former Rwanda defense forces (RDF) officer is a prime suspect in grenade attacks in Rwanda and other crimes. He was arrested and handed over to Rwanda under collaborative efforts between Rwanda and Uganda police through Interpol and the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) framework.
The court panel, presided over by Judge Charles Sumanyi, read to Mutabazi his counts and all the the co-accused suspects.
Mutabazi said that he was not in position to be tried in court stating that he was not legally prepared for the trial and has not had legal defense due to lack of funds to hire a private lawyer.
The court Judge adjourned the case saying that Mutabazi was legally permitted to have a defense team and in case he so chooses the judicial system can by law provide him this assistance. The case will be resumed on November 25, 2013, and Mutabazi is expected to have a defense team by then.
Mutabazi is believed to be part of a larger network led by the dissidents that formed the Rwanda National Congress (RNC) in collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) – a remnant genocidal force operating in the DR Congo.
His co-accused include: Karemera Jackson, Eugene Mutamba, Diane Gasengayire, Joseph Nshimiyimana, Pelagie Twizeyimana, Cyprien Nibishaka Rwisanga, Dative Murekeyisoni, Balthazar Maniraho, Jean de Dieu Nizigiyeho, Shadrack Barangayabo, Simon-Pierre Mahirwe, Marie-Grace Mutuyimana and Anselme Nimusabe.