Mugesera makes final attempt to avoid deportation

Leon Mugesera (CP file photo)

MONTREAL - A new motion to suspend the deportation from Canada of former Rwandan politician Leon Mugesera will be heard Monday in federal court.

Mugesera, who has lived in Quebec for 20 years, is suspected of incitement to genocide. A deportation order was issued against him for Thursday, January 12.

The Supreme Court of Canada upheld his dismissal in 2005. But Ottawa had disregarded this decision because the man was threatened with the death penalty if returned to his country.

However, Rwanda has since abolished the death penalty and the federal government finally decided that his life is no longer in danger.

Johanne Doyon, counsel for Leon Mugesera, intends to seek a judicial review in Federal Court. Meanwhile, Doyon has also filed a motion to suspend the expulsion.

Leon Mugesera allegedly incited hatred and genocide against the Tutsis in a speech that was delivered in 1992, Canadian authorities learned three years later, after his entry.