‘Hotel Rwanda’ film hero convicted of terrorism charges

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In a major twist of fate, Paul Rusesabagina, on whom the Hollywood blockbuster 'Hotel Rwanda' was made, has been convicted of terrorism charges by a court in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. He has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.</p>
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According to a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/20/africa/paul-rusesabagina-verdict-rwanda-intl/index.html">CNN report</a>, Rusesabagina was found to be part of a terror group, MRCD-FLN. “Along with 20 other people, he was accused of acts of terrorism,” it said, adding that two organized attacks, in 2018, during which nine people died, were a particular focus.</p>
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The 66-year-old Rusesabagina, a staunch critic of the government, is hailed as a hero by many in his country. The film has documented his contribution in saving the lives of his family along with than 1,000 other refugees who took shelter in Hôtel des Mille Collines during the Rwandan genocide that took place between April and July 1994.</p>
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Yolande Makolo, a spokesperson for the Rwanda government said, "This lengthy trial has exposed the terrorist activities of the FLN group led by Rusesabagina.</p>
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Rusesabagina slapped with charges of financing terrorism, murder as an act of terrorism, formation of an irregular armed group, and membership of a terrorist group, among others was first arrested in August 2020, CNN said.</p>
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Rusesabagina and lawyers were not present in the court while the ruling was given.</p>
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<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/20/africa/paul-rusesabagina-verdict-rwanda-intl/index.html">Rusesabagina's daughter, Carine Kanimba</a> has told CNN that her father's basic human rights have been violated by the Rwanda government. "We knew there would never be a fair trial for my father, and now the world knows too. If the US, Belgium and others believe in human rights, they need to step in now to free our father," she has been quoted as saying by the news organisation.</p>
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