Rwanda: Opponent Paul Rusesabagina soon to be free after a presidential pardon

Paul Rusesabagina attends a hearing at the court in Kigali, Rwanda, Friday, February 26, 2021. © Muhizi Olivier / AP

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Paul Rusesabagina sheltered hundreds of people during the 1994 genocide, inspiring the film Hotel Rwanda. The opponent of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who was sentenced in 2021 to 25 years in prison for terrorism, finally benefits from a presidential pardon.

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With our correspondent in Kigali, Lucie Mouillaud

The government announced on Friday, March 24, that Paul Rusesabagina would be released this weekend. After months of negotiations, Paul Rusesabagina is to be released by commutation of sentence by presidential order, along with 19 other co-defendants. A decision taken, according to the government, after consideration of its request for clemency.

In a letter dated October 2022, the opponent accused of terrorism for his activities within the Rwandan Movement for Democratic Change (MRCD), whose armed wing, the FLN, claimed responsibility for attacks in Rwanda, asked for forgiveness from the head of state Paul Kagame. He promised her that he had no personal or political ambitions and that if he was granted a presidential pardon, he would return to live discreetly in the United States.

Still found guilty of terrorism

Nearly a year and a half after he was sentenced to 25 years in prison, his imminent release is a relief for his family, who say they hope to be reunited with him soon.

Despite his commutation of sentence, Paul Rusesabagina is still considered guilty by the Rwandan justice. In 2022, Washington said the opponent, a permanent resident in the United States, was wrongly detained by Kigali.

► Read also: Rwanda: from Hollywood hero to prisoner accused of terrorism, the fall of Paul Rusesabagina

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  • Rwanda
  • Paul Kagame
  • Justice