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Leaders & Politics

‘Hotel Rwanda’

hero, Paul

Rusesabagana

in deep trouble

in Rwanda

he hero of the film “Hotel
TRwanda” Paul Rusesabagina, Paul Resesabagina, paraded before the press by the RIB in
is in lots of trouble, but how he got Kigali.
himself into it, is difficult to tell, given
the conflicting reports from inside hero’ is surrounded in mystery, and film Hotel Rwanda and the publicity
and outside Rwanda. Rusesabagana only became public and known that came with it, Paul has used the
has been in Rwanda custody since to the world, when the Rwanda limelight and the many he made
August 31, this is according to the Investigation Bureau (RIB) posted in from the film to establish himself
Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), on Twitter. How he got to Rwanda, a as a human rights activist, founded
ending his long sojourn aboard, later country he has avoided for decades, the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina
becoming Belgian, and in which he has been on a wanted Foundation to fight for global human
In 2004 the film by Terry George, man, is now a subject of speculations, rights.
which made Rusesabgana famous, what is not in doubt however, is that Mr Rusesabagina’s arrest has drawn
lends to his role as savior, recounting he will face a long imprisonment international attention, particularly
the role of ‘savior, he is said to have at the end of the Rwandan judicial given that no country so far, has
played, and that he personally claims, process against him if found guilty. admitted to having executed the
he did play’ during the 1994 genocide Among the charges, the prosecutors international warrant issued for his
in Rwanda. Many Rwandans have have lined up include the constitution arrest. It is curious is that Belgium
dismissed his claims to having saved of an illegal armed group and others has remained has remained tight
hundred during the 100 days killings related to terrorism and contravening lipped.
of Tutsis and moderate Hutus, when Rwandan laws and for “murder”, And while Rwanda insists he
he served as a General `Manager of “armed robbery”, “incitement to was arrested on the international
Hotel des Mille Collines insurrection”, and “arson” warrant with the co-operation of
The Oscar-nominated film Hotel An international arrest warrant other countries, but declining to
Rwanda showed Rusesabagina, a issued against Rusesbagana, 66, provide more details on grounds that
Hutu married to a Tutsi, as using on November 9, 2018 by the then doing so may jeopardize ongoing
his influence as a manager of the Attorney General of Rwanda, Jean investigations, his family issued a
Hotel des Mille Collines, to allow Bosco Mutangana, addressed to statement alleging he was kidnapped
more than 1,200 Tutsis to shelter Belgium. The Rwanda prosecutors in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,
in the hotel’s rooms. In the film, have lined up a long list of charges where he had traveled for business.
Rusesabagina was played by US actor against the Rwandan, who is also a The Rwanda exile’s family has
Don Cheadle. dual Belgian nationality. reportedly denied the charges against
The arrest of the ‘Hotel Rwanda Since, the worldwide acclaim of the him and urged Rwanda to transfer

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