Rwanda arrests 'Genocide Hero', to be charged for terrorism

By Staff Correspondent, KIGALI Rwanda

The government of Rwanda has confirmed arrest of politician and leader of armed groups, Paul Rusesabagina, through international cooperation and deported to Rwanda where he is set to face charges.

Rusesabagina, who came to fame through the controversial movie ‘Hotel Rwanda’ was briefly presented to the media by Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on Monday morning August 31.

“RIB informs the general public that, through international cooperation, Paul Rusesabagina was arrested and is in the custody of RIB,” the investigative body said in a short statement.

“Rusesabagina is suspected to be the founder, leader, sponsor and member of violent, armed, extremist terror outfits including MRCD and PDR-Ihumure, operating out of various places in the region and abroad.”

RIB said Rusesabagina has been subject of an International Arrest Warrant, wanted to answer charges of serious crime including terrorism, arson, kidnap and murder, perpetrated against unarmed, innocent Rwandan civilians on Rwandan territory, including in Nyabimata – Nyaruguru district in June 2018 and in Nyungwe – Nyamagabe district in December 2018.

Rusesabagina became known internationally in the 2004 film “Hotel Rwanda,” which depicted his heroism in saving the lives of 1,268 people in his hotel during the genocide mass slaughter in Rwanda in 1994.

American actor Don Cheadle portrayed Rusesabagina. In his book, 'An Ordinary Man' and in the film 'Hotel Rwanda' Rusesabagina is portrayed as the man instrumental in saving more than 1,200 lives during the 1994 genocide.

President Bush awards, Paul Rusesabagina, who sheltered people at a hotel he managed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005, in Washington. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award given.

The son of a Hutu man and a Tutsi woman, and the Manager of Kigali’s top hotel, Rusesabagina was in a unique position to help people who flocked to the hotel looking for refuge from the machetes.

However, he is being called an opportunist, a liar, an imposter, a revisionist, a negationist, a traitor, a defender of mass murderers, a man profiting from the blood of a million victims. He lived in self-imposed exile in Belgium.

He said earlier that he’s survived at least one assassination attempt and has vilified every time he stands up to make a public pronouncement on Rwandan affairs.

“He is currently detained at Remera Police Station while his case file is being processed in accordance with Rwandan criminal procedure.” The statement said.