The family and legal team of Paul Rusesabagina will hold a press conference on Thursday morning at 10:30 am E.D.T; 4:30pm South Africa time.
Rusesabagina, the international human rights icon whose incredible story of saving 1,268 people during the Rwandan Genocide was told in the film “Hotel Rwanda”, was kidnapped from Dubai and is being detained illegally in Rwanda.
Thursday will mark one month since Rusesabagina was captured, and his family and legal team will present updates on his case to urge people to act.
Rusesabagina is a beloved hero to many. He is a Belgian citizen, US resident, and has been honored across the world for his continued advocacy, including being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.
His kidnapping and detention have sparked international outcry and concern from human rights observers, including from the American Bar Association and the Clooney Foundation For Justice.
While being held in Rwanda, he has been subjected to a kangaroo trial on false terror charges. The seemingly positive Rwandan regime has a history of setting up or even “disappearing” activists and opponents. The regime has not only denied Rusesabagina access to his international counsel, but also forced him to use government-appointed lawyers, supervised all interactions, and is now holding him without bail.
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His family continues to be concerned about the blatantly illegal circumstances of his detention and for his health. Paul is a cancer patient in remission and has cardiovascular health issues that require daily medication.
He appears visibly ill and has not been allowed access to an examination from the Red Cross. Rusesabagina’s legal team and loved ones used the one month anniversary of his detention to share updates about the status of his case and new efforts to secure his release.
A press conference has been planned on Zoom and will be broadcast on Facebook and Twitch a live streaming platform for gamers.