JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The man portrayed in the film “Hotel Rwanda” as saving the lives of more than 1,200 people from genocide was “kidnapped” while in Dubai, his daughter asserts, while authorities on Tuesday gave no further details behind his arrest on accusations of terrorism.
Paul Rusesabagina’s appearance in handcuffs in Rwanda’s capital on Monday prompted concern among some human rights activists that the outspoken critic of Rwanda’s government was the latest example of it targeting dissidents beyond its borders. He had lived outside Rwanda since 1996, first in Belgium and then in Texas in the U.S.
Rwandan authorities said they issued an arrest warrant for Rusesabagina to answer charges of serious crimes including terrorism, arson, kidnap, and murder perpetrated against unarmed, innocent Rwandan civilians. The authorities cited “international cooperation” and gave no details but suggested that Interpol was involved. They did not say where or how he was apprehended.
Rusesabagina’s adopted daughter, Carine Kanimba, told The Associated Press she last spoke with him before he flew to Dubai last week but she didn’t know the exact nature of his trip. She didn’t provide evidence to support her claim that he was kidnapped.
She said his family has not been able to speak to him and is worried the 66-year-old may not be getting his hypertension medication.
Rusesabagina is a Belgian citizen and a U.S. permanent resident and has long been a target because of his criticism of the Rwandan government, she said.
“What they’re accusing him of is all made up,” she said. “There is no evidence to what they’re claiming … We know this is a wrongful arrest.”
It was not clear when Rusesabagina would appear in court. Police said Rusesabagina is…
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The man portrayed in the film “Hotel Rwanda” as saving the lives of more than 1,200 people from genocide was “kidnapped” while in Dubai, his daughter asserts, while authorities on Tuesday gave no further details behind his arrest on accusations of terrorism.
Paul Rusesabagina’s appearance in handcuffs in Rwanda’s capital on Monday prompted concern among some human rights activists that the outspoken critic of Rwanda’s government was the latest example of it targeting dissidents beyond its borders. He had lived outside Rwanda since 1996, first in Belgium and then in Texas in the U.S.
Rwandan authorities said they issued an arrest warrant for Rusesabagina to answer charges of serious crimes including terrorism, arson, kidnap, and murder perpetrated against unarmed, innocent Rwandan civilians. The authorities cited “international cooperation” and gave no details but suggested that Interpol was involved. They did not say where or how he was apprehended.
Rusesabagina’s adopted daughter, Carine Kanimba, told The Associated Press she last spoke with him before he flew to Dubai last week but she didn’t know the exact nature of his trip. She didn’t provide evidence to support her claim that he was kidnapped.
She said his family has not been able to speak to him and is worried the 66-year-old may not be getting his hypertension medication.
Rusesabagina is a Belgian citizen and a U.S. permanent resident and has long been a target because of his criticism of the Rwandan government, she said.
“What they’re accusing him of is all made up,” she said. “There is no evidence to what they’re claiming … We know this is a wrongful arrest.”
It was not clear when Rusesabagina would appear in court. Police said Rusesabagina is…
