State angers defence on Murekezi extradition case: Delays to present evidence on Rwandan 

The defence lawyer for  Vincent Murekezi, a Rwandan genocide suspect in Malawi custody amid an on-going court battle for his extradition,  has complained that the State  has not furnished evidence of alleged crimes committed by his client.

Lilongwe Magistrate Court gave the State 21 days to present eveidence against Murekezi, who is contesting an extradition order.

But on Monday,  the State had not filed any evidence, prompting Murekezi lawyer Wapona Kita to express disappointment.

“We are disappointed with the non movement of the case, it is in the interest of of our client that the case is dealt with expeditiously, if this continues before Friday we will move the court to dismiss the matter and free our client,” said Kita.

But senior State advocate Steven Kayuni said they will present the evidence to court on Wednesday.

He said Malawi is making extradition application on behalf of Rwanda and that  they will present  the weight of the evidence furnished by Rwandan authorities.

Rwanda government has reportedly  been seeking extradition of Murekezi from as early as 2009.

Controversy reigns over how the Rwandan, who was reportedly  found guilty of crimes related to the 1994 genocide and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment, has been allowed to live in Malawi and  not only to acquire business licences, but also to secure Malawian citizenship with a passport.

But following his arrest over the extradition matter, Malawi government has added a charge of jumping bail when he was arrested for alleged corruption.