Rwanda Military court said Tuesday that it had adjourned Tom Byabagamba’s trial. Details are underway for the new date set for hearing.
In April, Byabagamba was arraigned before the military court for additional charges committed while in detention.
According to RDF, the former head of the Republican Guard attempted to bribe his way out of the military prison and that more people involved are being investigated.
“Col Byabagamba is suspected of criminal activities related to attempt to commit corruption and attempt to escape from a prison,” RDF said in a statement in April.
“Suspected criminal activities committed by Colonel Tom Byabagamba and his inside and outside accomplices are being thoroughly investigated,” the military said.
During his hearing, the court is expected to be taken through the process of Byabagamba’s plan to escape from prison- in 2016; he was sentenced to 21 years in prison by the Military High Court.
However, in December 2019, the Court of Appeal reduced his sentence to 15 years and stripped him off his military rank of colonel.
Byabagamba was found guilty of inciting insurrection or trouble amongst the population, and tarnishing the image of the country or Government.
Byabagamba was also found guilty of willfully concealing objects that would facilitate the execution of a crime, and contempt of the national flag.
He is also his co-accused with Brig Gen (Rtd) Frank Rusagara. The brothers-in-law were found guilty of inciting rebellion against the established government while Byabagamba was also found to have disrespected the national flag and Rusagara for illegal possession of arms.
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