KarunaNews Story

Rwanda’s government has commuted the 25-year sentence of Paul Rusesabagina, who inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda” for saving hundreds of countrymen from genocide but was convicted of terrorism offenses years later in a widely criticized trial. A government spokeswoman said the presidential order was issued after a request for clemency on behalf of Rusesabagina, a 68-year-old US resident and Belgian citizen. He will return to the US via Qatar. Nineteen others also had their sentences commuted. Rusesabagina disappeared in 2020 during a visit to the United Arab Emirates and appeared days later in Rwanda in handcuffs. His family alleged he was kidnapped. He was convicted on eight charges including membership in a terrorist group, murder and abduction.