‘Hotel Rwanda’ hero to be released from Rwanda prison

• Rwanda has granted clemency to Paul Rusesabagina, the inspiration for “Hotel Rwanda”.
• Who was convicted of terrorism.
• And given a 25-year prison term.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda shortened Paul Rusesabagina’s prison sentence after the man’s clemency appeal, according to Rwandan officials.

Rusesabagina was the inspiration for the Hollywood movie “Hotel Rwanda” and had been convicted of a crime.

In September 2021, Rusesabagina faced accusations relating to terrorism and was found guilty. She was given a 25-year prison term.

“Commutation of sentence does not extinguish the underlying conviction,” said government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo on Friday.

“Rwanda notes the constructive role of the US government in creating conditions for dialogue on this issue, as well as the facilitation provided by the State of Qatar,” she added.

Rusesabagina, a dual citizen of Rwanda and Belgium who resides in the United States, will be released on Saturday along with 19 other individuals who had also been found guilty, according to Makolo, who spoke to media.

Rusesabagina will be relocated to Qatar after his release, according to a statement released on Friday by Majid Al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry.

“He will then head to the United States of America,” Al-Ansari added.

Rusesabagina was detained by Rwandan authorities in 2020 while he was travelling abroad, and his family has claimed that this was the result of an abduction.

“We are pleased to hear the news about Paul’s release. The family is hopeful to reunite with him soon,” a spokesperson for Rusesabagina’s family told media.

Rusesabagina was found guilty of belonging to the MRCD-FLN terror organisation at his trial in 2021. According to a government statement, two 2018 attacks that claimed nine lives were given special attention.

The Clooney Foundation for Justice, however, referred to the decision as a “show trial” and asserted that Rusesabagina’s conviction fell short of the “required by international and African standards” fairness assurances.

Rusesabagina, a vocal opponent of President Kagame, gained notoriety for harbouring hundreds of Rwandans during the genocide in the hotel he oversaw.

The Hollywood movie “Hotel Rwanda,” starring Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo, was based on his life experience.

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