Rwanda Hero in Trial as Family Fears for his Life

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Paul Rusesabagina, a Rwanda hero who gave inspiration to the film ‘’Hotel Rwanda,’’ is facing a terrorism trial. His heroism acts in the 1994 genocide saved a lot of Tutsis. This saw him receive the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. However, the medal and his heroic acts are not enough to put him out of bars now. Paul is being connected to terrorist acts in Rwanda. His arrest was in last year. On Wednesday, Paul is to come in for his trial. A trial that his family strongly believes might not be fair. Moreover, his health is deteriorating and might lead to his death if left unattended.

Rwanda hero trial

According to the Rwanda justice system, Rusesabagina faces 13 charges. Among the acts of terrorism is being an accomplice of murder and putting together a rebel group. Rwanda further accuses him of being in support of Rwanda’s opposition political party. Apparently, the opposition is responsible for a couple of fatal attacks. He is to face trial with other rebel fighters as well. Rwanda affirms that Rusesabagina`s works have caused many civilians’ lives following various attacks between 2018 and 2019.

Hero or villain

During Rwanda`s 1994 genocide, Rusesabagina gave shelter to more than one thousand Tutsi in a hotel. A hotel that he himself was managing. More than 800 000 Tutsi and Hutus perished. The government claims that Rusesabagina`s role is not as what it seems in the film. Instead, painting him as an enemy of the people. In 1996, Paul left Rwanda and dedicated himself to criticize the Rwandan government for its human rights violations.

Events leading to his arrest

Paul`s arrest has been met with a lot of controversies. It all dates back to last year when he disappeared while visiting Dubai. Following the recent president’s statements, Rusesabagina was lured into his arrests. Rwandan police statement suggests that Paul`s arrest was within an international Cooperation.

A statement that is very different from the court affirms that the arrest was at Kigali International Airport. His daughter, Carine Kanimba, strongly condemns his arrest. Carine says her father was kidnapped rather than being arrested. She further calls for his unconditional arrest on the basis that there has been a violation of the process and international law at large.

Family`s worry over Paul

Rusesabagina`s family expresses deep concerns over his trial and health. His family fears an unfair practice. Reports state that his medication for his heart disorder is being withheld. His local lawyer conveys a message from Paul that stresses an impending stroke that can kill him. The family thus sought US help. US secretary-general Antony Blinken describes Paul`s arrests wrongfully.

Foreign Support

The European Parliament calls for a resolution to the Rwanda government to accord Paul a fair trial. Besides, the parliaments state that Rusesabagina’s arrest was forceful. Nonetheless, Rwanda`s justice minister disapproves of the allegations of the European parliament. He further sees the suggestions as meddling into the country`s internal affairs.

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