KIGALI, Rwanda — Paul Rusesabagina, the man whose heroism during the Rwandan genocide inspired the acclaimed film “Hotel Rwanda,” will face terrorism charges in a Rwandan court. A judge ruled on Friday that the court has jurisdiction despite Rusesabagina’s argument that he is no longer a Rwandan citizen.
Rusesabagina’s lawyer, Gatera Gashabana, immediately announced his intention to appeal the decision, asserting that the trial cannot proceed without addressing the jurisdictional challenge. Rusesabagina maintains that he is a Belgian citizen who was forcibly taken from Dubai to Rwanda, a country he left in 1996. The judge, however, dismissed the circumstances of Rusesabagina’s detention as irrelevant to the question of jurisdiction.
The Charges Against Rusesabagina
Rusesabagina’s arrest followed his disappearance during a visit to Dubai in August 2020. Days later, he appeared in Rwanda in handcuffs, accused of supporting the armed wing of his opposition political platform, the Rwandan Movement for Democratic Change (MRCD). The MRCD’s armed wing, the National Liberation Front (FLN), has claimed responsibility for deadly attacks within Rwanda.
The charges against Rusesabagina are serious, encompassing nine counts, including:
- Formation of an irregular armed group
- Membership in a terrorist group
- Financing terrorism
- Murder as an act of terrorism
- Abduction as an act of terrorism
- Armed robbery as an act of terrorism
If convicted, he could face a prison sentence exceeding 20 years.
Concerns About a Fair Trial and Rusesabagina’s Health
Rusesabagina’s family and supporters have voiced grave concerns about his ability to receive a fair trial in Rwanda. They point to his outspoken criticism of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and the government’s human rights record as potential factors influencing the proceedings. They also fear for his health, worried that the conditions of his confinement could exacerbate existing medical issues. Rusesabagina is a U.S. permanent resident, and the U.S. State Department has confirmed its engagement with the Rwandan government at the “highest levels” regarding his case.
The Court’s Ruling and Legal Arguments
The court’s decision affirmed that both Rwanda and Belgium have jurisdiction to try Rusesabagina. However, the judge concluded that there was “no justification” for transferring the trial to Belgium, as requested by the defense. The prosecution argued that Rusesabagina’s Rwandan origin, coupled with local laws permitting the prosecution of non-nationals for crimes committed within Rwanda, solidify the court’s jurisdiction.
The court has granted the defense until Wednesday to submit any further objections, with a ruling on these objections expected the following Friday.
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, the court also heard testimony regarding some of Rusesabagina’s co-accused, who were reportedly brought to Rwanda from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo without formal extradition proceedings.
A Legacy of Heroism and Controversy
Paul Rusesabagina gained international recognition for his actions during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where he is credited with sheltering over 1,000 Tutsis at the Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali. His bravery was depicted in the film “Hotel Rwanda,” and he was awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. However, the Rwandan government has consistently downplayed Rusesabagina’s role during the genocide.
President Kagame, in a recent CNN interview, asserted that Rusesabagina is a Rwandan citizen who committed serious crimes and must face justice. He emphasized the importance of a fair trial for Rusesabagina and his co-accused. The upcoming legal proceedings will undoubtedly be closely watched by the international community as this complex and politically charged case unfolds.
The Path Forward
The trial of Paul Rusesabagina raises significant questions about international law, human rights, and the delicate balance between justice and political considerations. The appeal process and subsequent trial will be crucial in determining whether Rusesabagina’s rights are protected and whether he receives a fair and impartial hearing. The outcome will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on how the international community perceives Rwanda’s judicial system and its commitment to human rights.
