{{The Rwanda High court has fined the Lawyer representing Dr. Leon Mugesera for absenteeism.
The court ordered that Jean Felix Rudakemwa to pay a fine equivalent to Frw400,000 for being absent twice without informing the court.}}
However, Dr. Mugesera told court that his lawyer who is entitled to a financial package (Aide Juridique) provided by the Ministry of Justice in such cases, has never received any remuneration.
Mugesera adds that he and his lawyer have written four times to the Justice Ministry informing and requesting them to meet their obligations but have never received any response to the effect.
According to Mugesera, his lawyer’s absence has been due to the fact that he has been making a follow-up on his remuneration.
However, Prosecution argues that Mr. Rudakemwa intentionally delays court hearings.
“Although Rudakemwa wrote to the Ministry of Justice requesting for remuneration, is not reason enough to remain absent from court hearings,” prosecution says.
After a closed-door session, court ruled that Mr. Rudakemwa pay a fine of Frw400,000 owing to intentional absenteeism. The fine should be paid in a period of one Month alone and should he fault the order, government will intervene in the enforcement of this order.
However, after announcement of the ruling, Dr. Mugesera told court that the order infringes on his rights and also requested the court clerk to indicate he would appeal.
Mr. Rudakemwa also noted that he did not intentionally stay away from court hearing of his client but it was because he had not been paid as required.
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