Audio By Carbonatix
The family of a man who inspired a Hollywood film about the 1994 genocide say he is being "dictated to by Rwandan authorities” on what to say while in custody.
Paul Rusesabagina was arrested in August. He had been living in exile.
His family allege he was kidnapped in Dubai and taken to Rwanda. The authorities have not said where he was arrested.
He is accused of 13 accounts of terrorism but declined to plead to the charges.
His five children told a virtual press conference on Thursday that he was also denied an independent team of lawyers.
His daughter Anaise Kanimba said they still don’t know how their father ended up in Rwanda.
“And we know that he was tortured to say what they want and have prepared,” she added.
The children asked the Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, to free their sick father and called on the Belgian and US governments to intervene.
In court, Mr Rusesabagina, 66, has been assisted by two lawyers from the Rwanda bar association, whom his family say were selected by the government.
A court in the capital, Kigali, will on Friday decide on Mr Rusesabagina's appeal on bail.
Peter Robinson, one of the lawyers appointed by the family, said that two versions given by the Rwandan authorities on Mr Rusesabagina's arrest confirm that he was kidnapped.
The Rwandan investigators initially said he was apprehended with international cooperation. Days later President Paul Kagame suggested on state television that he was tricked to Rwanda in a “flawless” operation.
While in police custody, Mr Rusesabagina was quoted by the New York Times as saying that “he boarded a private jet destined for Bujumbura, Burundi” and ended up in Kigali.
Latest Stories
-
10 Metro Mass buses to hit Accra roads soon to ease commuter woes – Kwakye Ofosu
2 minutes -
Man in his 50s dies after collapsing in public toilet in Juaboso
14 minutes -
Mahama’s Economic Advisory Group to serve without pay – Kwakye Ofosu
25 minutes -
OMCs commence fuel price reduction; GOIL sells petrol at GH¢9.99, Star Oil cuts to GH¢9.97
25 minutes -
Albert Amoah makes shock return to Asante Kotoko on loan
45 minutes -
NPA CEO applauds Tema Oil Refinery for swift return to full operations
45 minutes -
Chronic potholes turn Asafo Market Junction–Tech Road into death trap
49 minutes -
UK study finds toxic weedkiller residues in children’s playgrounds
1 hour -
Dr Abaka-Cann makes history as first Ghanaian inducted Fellow of American Academy of Optometry
1 hour -
Kennedy Agyapong cautions against intimidation ahead of NPP flagbearer election
1 hour -
Man sentenced to 30 years’ with hard labour for robbery in Western North Region
1 hour -
Vice President to visit Transport Ministry over worsening commuter woes in Accra
1 hour -
LGBTQ agenda being quietly inserted into constitutional review – Ntim Fordjour claims
1 hour -
Police recover vehicle used in Adabraka Gold Jewellery Shop robbery
1 hour -
Today’s Front pages: Friday, January 16, 2026
2 hours
