Col Byabagamba, Rtd Brig Gen Frank Rusagara and Francois Kabayiza yesterday appeared in court without their defense team.
The last trial held on 14th December, 2015 was adjourned after that suspects pleaded that the phone numbers described in the document on which the investigations are based were not similar to numbers of suspects.
The trial had to be postponed to Monday 28th December, 2015 but no court was held since it was a public holiday.
The presiding judge, Maj. Bernard Hategekimana, adjourned the hearing since the suspects said they could not continue with the hearing without their defense team.
“I came here ready for the trial but I cannot see my lawyer. I don’t know whether the court informed him,” said Rusagara.
The presiding judge informed court that Supreme Court standing order rules that the trial has to be postponed to the following day in case it matches with the public holiday.
The prosecution said that no one can force a hearing from suspects without defense but added it is not good cause delays in the delivery of justice.
The hearing will resume on 5th through to 6thand 7th January,2016. In the next court hearing, suspects will have time to defend themselves.
Rusagara and Byabagamba requested court for more time to discuss with their lawyers claiming the two allotted hours are not enough.
Both Byabagamba and Rusagara are accused of inciting violence among the population and undermining the image of the country.
Byabagamba is separately accused of willingly concealing evidence in a criminal case and contempt of the national flag, and jointly charged with Rusagara of illegal possession of a fire arm.
Kabayiza, is also accused of illegal possession of firearm.
Leave a Reply