Rwanda: Erlinder has not retracted anything – says Kenyan defense attorney
By RNA Reporter
Thursday, 03 June 2010
Kigali: Troubled American attorney Peter Erlinder still stands by his views on the 1994 Tutsi Genocide, instead says whatever has been seem as offensive in Rwanda is a misinterpretation, according to one of three defense attorneys.
The latest dismissal essentially rejects what was said by Prosecutor General Martin Ngoga at a press conference Wednesday morning that detained Erlinder had been “retracting everything”.
However, no independent sources were available to comment Wednesday. Now the defense team has contacted RNA rejecting the Prosecutor General’s statement.
“Peter denied all the allegations. He denied his writings constitute any crimes,” said Kennedy Ogetto, in an email message.
“[Erlinder] emphasized that his writings and speeches are all protected by free speech guarantees under the US constitution and the laws of the commonwealth of which Rwanda is a member.”
“He then stated he was revoking anything which may have been interpreted as offensive by the Rwandans. We don't consider this to be a confession," added the Kenyan attorney.
On Wednesday, Mr. Ogetto told the BBC Kinyarwanda service that the defense team had not been able to see their client to verify the alleged suicide. He reportedly expressed surprise with the development, saying they had known about it from the media.
By 1900 hours, they were still trying to get in touch with Erlinder.
In the brief message to RNA sent Wednesday night, Mr. Ogetto does not say whether the defense had been able to meet Erlinder.
No details are available as to the latest condition of the embattled attorney.
Related Materials:
Rwanda: Prof. Erlinder has denied all allegations – says his Kenyan defense attorney
posted by Mamadou Kouyate @ 11:58 PM
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