Mugesera is charged with incitement to commit genocide for a speech given in November 1992 in Kabaya (northern Rwanda).
The deferment was announced by Judge Sauda Murererehe from Nyarugenge lower civil court. She explained that the delay was granted on Mugesera's request.
Mugesera argued that he had been allowed on January 27 to call his family and lawyers in Canada to seek help in finding a Rwandan lawyer, but that he didn't have enough time to get to know him.
Sitting next to him, his lawyer Donat Mukunzi confirmed he hadn't discussed the case with his client yet.
Prosecutor Ndibwami didn't object to Mugesera's request.
After postponing the hearing to April 2, the judge ordered Mugesera to be sent back to jail.
Hailing from Northern Rwanda, Mugesera was in 1992 Vice-president of the then ruling MRND party.
ER/GF
© Hirondelle News Agency