Rwanda to release Paul Rusesabagina, inspiration for “Hotel Rwanda” movie, government says
NAIROBI — Rwandan authorities on Friday freed human rights activist Paul Rusesabagina, whose life inspired “Hotel Rwanda,” the Hollywood film about the nation’s 1994 genocide,The onetime hotel manager was sentenced to 25 years on terrorism charges in 2021 after authorities tricked him into boarding a plane that secretly took him to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. His imprisonment was strongly opposed by U.S.
Rusesabagina’s case cast a spotlight on growing opposition to Rwandan President Paul Kagame, once praised for ending Rwanda’s genocide and for his focus on developing the tiny East African nation, but increasingly criticized for his authoritarian rule, the abduction of Rusesabagina, and accusations of support for rebels in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo — something the government has denied.
Rusesabagina and Kagame were once cordial, but over the years, Rusesabagina became a vocal critic of Kagame, saying he was stifling political opposition. The president hit back by accusing Rusesabagina of exaggerating his role during the genocide. Rwanda has denied supporting the rebels — blamed for numerous mass killings of civilians — but relations between the two neighbors are extremely tense. Rwanda fired at a Congolese jet in January.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rwanda frees Paul Rusesabagina of 'Hotel Rwanda' fameKIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — Rwanda's government has commuted the 25-year sentence of Paul Rusesabagina, who inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda” for saving hundreds of countrymen from genocide but was convicted of terrorism offenses years later in a widely criticized trial.
Read more »
Rwanda frees Paul Rusesabagina of 'Hotel Rwanda' fame after 25-year sentence commutedNineteen others also had their sentences commuted. Under Rwandan law, commutation doesn’t “extinguish” the conviction.
Read more »
Rwanda frees Paul Rusesabagina of ‘Hotel Rwanda’ fameRwanda’s government has commuted the 25-year sentence of Paul Rusesabagina, who inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda” for saving hundreds of countrymen from genocide but was convicted of terrorism offenses years later in a widely criticized trial.
Read more »
Rwanda Frees Paul Rusesabagina of ‘Hotel Rwanda' FamePaul Rusesabagina has asserted that his arrest was in response to his criticism of President Paul Kagame over alleged human rights abuses
Read more »
Rwanda to release Paul Rusesabagina, inspiration for ‘Hotel Rwanda’ movie, government saysRwandan authorities will release human rights activist Paul Rusesabagina, a former hotel manager whose life inspired the Hollywood film “Hotel Rwanda” about the 1994 genocide, a Rwandan government spokeswoman said on Friday.
Read more »
Rwanda says Paul Rusesabagina of ‘Hotel Rwanda’ fame to be freedRwanda’s government has commuted the sentence of Paul Rusesabagina, who inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda” for saving hundreds of countrymen from genocide but was convicted of terrorism offenses year…
Read more »