Rusesabagina atones for FLN atrocities, seeks presidential pardon

Terror convict Paul Rusesabagina has expressed regret for atrocities committed by the FLN militia group, an armed wing of the MRCD which he founded. ALSO READ: Rusesabagina, Sankara to be released on presidential pardon In a letter dated October 18, 2022, Rusesabagina regretted “any connection my work with the MRCD may have had to violent actions taken by the FLN”. FLN is a terror group responsible for a series of attacks in south western Rwanda, where at least nine people were killed, others injured and property looted. “Violence is never acceptable, including the use of violence to achieve political aims. Violence as a political tool is plainly wrong and more grievously so when used to target civilians,” Rusesabagina wrote in a letter that was delivered to the justice minister through his lawyer, Gatera Gashabana. Rusesabagina, who was arrested in August 2020, was sentenced to 25 years by the High Court’s Chamber for International and Cross Border Crimes, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal. In his letter, Rusesabagina also added that; “I extend my heartfelt sorrow for any pain FLN's actions have caused to victims and their families.” He writes that, if pardoned, he will withdraw from Rwandan politics if released and “spend the remainder of my days in the United States in quiet reflection.” On December 15, 2018, about eight kilometres into Nyungwe National Park, a bus, owned by Alpha Express, was attacked by the FLN, the military wing of Paul Rusesabagina’s MRCD coalition, whose militants had set up roadblocks in the rainforest. ALSO READ: Rusesabagina’s 25-year jail term upheld, Nsabimana reduced to 15 The FLN assailants also attacked another bus, owned by Omega Express that was bound for Rusizi, from Kigali. The two buses were set on fire. Nine people were killed on spot, and one died of injuries, later. The Nyungwe incident in Nyamagabe District was one of the attacks by the FLN, which also targeted Nyabimata in Gisagara District, Rusizi District. ALSO READ: Profiles of victims of MRCD-FLN attacks The court ruled in November 2021 that the convicts would pay Rwf412 million in compensation to the survivors and families of the victims. Some of the survivors were left with lifetime injuries.

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Rusesabagina atones for FLN atrocities, seeks presidential pardon