The High Court Chamber for International and Cross-Border Crimes has announced that the verdict of the FLN terror case will be delivered on September 20.
The trial that has been going on for months involves Paul Rusesabagina, Callixte Nsabimana and 19 others who are being tried in connection to the 2018 and 2019 terror attacks against civilians in different parts of Rwanda, in which nine people were killed, several others injured, and property looted or destroyed by the insurgents.
"The High Court Chamber for International and Cross-Border Crimes informs the public that the delivery of judgment in the case of Mr. Paul Rusesabagina and co-accused has been adjourned to the 20th of September 2021 at 11:00 am CAT,” read a statement posted by the Rwanda Judiciary via its Twitter account.
A number of Rwandans are expected to follow with interest to see how the case will wind-up.
In interviews that this newspaper did earlier this week with some of the survivors of the terror attacks, they expressed optimism that there will be a fair ending to the trial.
"First, we are happy that some of the people that orchestrated the attacks were arrested, and we had a chance to take part in their trial,” said Vincent Nsengiyumva, the former Executive Secretary of Nyabimata Sector, who survived by a whisker, after a bullet brushed his head.
"We believe that the evidence we presented to court will be well considered, and we have faith in our justice system that a satisfactory decision will be taken, especially in regard to punishing the attackers,” he added.
Another survivor, Vianney Bwimba, 28, a former MC at events who sustained permanent disability in his right leg said:
"The attackers really retarded my life. I spent about two months in the hospital, and afterward, I went for specialised treatment. I had a major injury around my thigh, and I still live with pain,” he said.
Prosecution sought varying sentences for the accused, with the maximum being a life sentence for Rusesabagina.
Victims of the FLN attacks are also seeking more than Rwf1.6 billion in compensation.