Present in the courtroom were judges, prosecution, local and international media.
The prosecutor asked for remand of Sankara on account of 16 alleged crimes.
He was escorted by his defense lawyer Moise Nkundabarashi.
These include forming a rebel group, terrorism, murder, kidnap, genocide denial, arson, armed robbery, using forged documents, causing bodily harm intentionally, inciting hatred against the Government of Rwanda, developing foreign relations to launch a war among others.
The prosecution also alleged that FNL he was representing as spokesperson carried attacks in Southern Province killing nine and injuring 19 people.
The suspect pleaded guilty to all the charges
On attacks in Nyaruguru district carried by FNL, the terror group he was involved with and holding the title of spokesperson, Sankara accepted to have ordered attacks on public installations and security organs but claimed that he never ordered attacks on civilians.
Sankara regretted his involvement in the group that killed civilians.
“I apologize before the court and to all people affected by the attacks. May deceased people rest in peace. I also extend my apologies to Rwandans and the President of the Republic,” he said.
Sankara pleaded guilty on all charges and apologized to Rwanda and the President of the Republic for killings committed by the rebel group they had formed.
“I would like to acknowledge all committed crimes and apologize. Because as an intellectual in the field of law I am aware of the benefits and consequences of complicating and facilitating the judicial process. I am not ready to defend unfounded truths. There are crimes committed publically that even birds in trees can testify to. Thank you,” said Sankara.
His defense lawyer, Nkundabarashi Moise said his client made statements on alleged crimes and asked for his release on bail.
During the hearing, the prosecution asked that the accused be remanded considering a number of reasons including the fact that he would tamper with evidence.
The court pronounced the ruling will be read on 28th May 2019.
Sankara was arrested on 13th April 2019 but Rwanda confirmed his detention on 30th April 2019.
He was paraded before the media for the first time on 17th May 2019 at the headquarters of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
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