Kizito asks for legal assistance in his first court appearance

Kizito Mihigo and co-accused before the Nyarugenge Primary Court Judge

 The case of Kizito Mihigo’s and his accomplices was today postponed after they requested court to grant them more time to look for legal assistance in order to stand the pre- trial hearing

Mihigo pleaded guilty of all the charges leveled against him but the rest of the accomplices pleaded guilty to part of the charges.

Kizito Mihigo was last week arrested together with a demomibilised soldier, a radio journalist and another woman over suspected subversive acts against state Security.

See also: http://www.newsofrwanda.com/featured1/23060/local-artiste-kizito-mihigo-arrested-over-suspected-terrorist-activities/

In his case, Mihigo told court that he needs at least a week to look for a lawyer who will represent him in court. Cassien Ntamuhanga asked court for three days, while the rest were okay to have the case proceedings as soon as possible.

The musician told court that this is because his lawyer had recently informed him that he had dropped his earlier commitment of representing the musician in court.

Prosecution led by Boniface Budengeri said that the group can be granted their request since it’s their legal right and asked court that the time should be within the shortest period possible so as to have the case going.

A handful of anxious residents were at the Kacyiru primary court by 2pm today, and courtroom was fully packed to the extent that the presiding judge had to wait for police to clear the corridor for fresh air before the hearing started.

See also: http://www.newsofrwanda.com/featured1/23084/kizito-mihigo-and-accomplices-admit-to-carrying-out-subversive-activities/

Residents used their phones to record and shot photographs of the suspects as they arrived at the court premises, making it almost impossible for Journalists and human rights observers from embassies and local organizations to follow the court proceedings.

The prosecution asked court to have the case moved to a more convenient and wider place, so that residents can follow the case to avoid the inconveniences.

After considering all pleas, the presiding judge, Jean Damascene Gasana, adjourned the case hearing postponing it to the April 23, at 2pm, and noted that the next venue would be communicated after relevant consultation is done.