Question: Was there a meeting today between State Department officials and the family of American lawyer Peter Erlinder who was arrested in Rwanda? If so, who met with the family? What was discussed?
Answer: Yes, Mr. Erlinder’s family met with senior officials from the Bureaus of Consular and African Affairs as well as the Office of Legal Advisor at 3 p.m. yesterday. We explained our efforts to make sure that Rwandan authorities accord Mr. Erlinder due process under local law in a timely and transparent manner. We also explained the measures we’ve taken to ensure Mr. Erlinder’s health and welfare during his incarceration, as well as the extensive consular services and visits provided to date.
