Paul Rusesabagina, whose courage in the face of genocide was depicted in the Oscar-nominated film “Hotel Rwanda,” will be released from prison on Saturday.
He had been apprehended, detained, and tried by the Rwandan government in a case that garnered international condemnation.
The Rwandan government revealed Mr. Rusesabagina’s release on Friday, ending his two and a half years in detention. The 68-year-old had relocated to the US and developed a fervent dislike for Rwanda’s longtime president, Paul Kagame.
Widespread criticism of Mr. Kagame followed Mr. Rusesabagina’s forced disappearance and trial.
His accomplishments in advancing his nation since the 1994 genocide have occasionally been overshadowed by his autocratic rule, appalling record on human rights, and destabilizing military intervention in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the news, saying, “Paul’s family is eager to welcome him back to the United States, and I share their joy at today’s good news.” He thanked the governments of Rwanda and Qatar, as well as U.S. government officials who worked “to achieve today’s happy outcome.”
When Mr. Rusesabagina’s release was announced on Friday, his supporters were happy. However, they were also cautious about speaking out too much for fear of preventing his exit from Rwanda.
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