Hotel Rwanda Movie Hero Arrested On Charges Of Terrorism

Authorities in Rwanda have arrested Paul Rusesabagina and charged with terrorism.

Mr Rusesabagina, whose heroism during the 1994 genocide in his native Rwanda was portrayed by Don Cheadle in Hollywood film “Hotel Rwanda,” was arrested Monday and charged with terrorism, arson, kidnapping, and murder, Rwandan authorities announced.

An international warrant had been issued for his arrest.

Rwanda’s Bureau of Investigation announced in a Tweet that Rusesabagina was now in their custody after being arrested “through international cooperation.” It did not indicate which country helped them with the arrest.

In the story told in the 2004 film ‘Hotel Rwanda’, Rusesabagina, a hotel manager, uses his influence and wealth to first shelter hundreds of people hiding from bloodthirsty mobs that ultimately killed nearly a million people. Then, he secures their safe haven by persuading military officials to arrange their escape.

A year later, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George W. Bush.

In the years following the film’s release, Rusesabagina became more vocal in his criticism of Paul Kagame, the former commander of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, which ended the genocide.

By Melvin Tarlue