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
-
GPL 2025/26: Medeama score late to draw with Basake Holy Stars
17 minutes -
Rapperholic Creators challenge blends digital talent and financial discipline for Ghanaian youth
26 minutes -
Justice on a leash – Minority claims law enforcement is being used to punish political opponents
29 minutes -
Dr Gideon Boako provides ¢10k seed capital for TanoFest Programme
36 minutes -
Bond market: Turnover rose by 64.39% to GH¢6.75bn
52 minutes -
Dutylex promises more in 2026; targets market expansion
59 minutes -
Government grants permits for Responsible Cooperative Mining in Anwia, Teleku Bokazo
59 minutes -
Bawumia still NPP’s strongest asset — Northern region operations team
1 hour -
Christian Service University inaugurates Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante as first chancellor
1 hour -
Kumasi gridlock forces commuters to walk miles ahead of Christmas rush
1 hour -
Paramount Chief of Assin Fosu honours John Boadu at grand durbar
1 hour -
Minority flags election petitions, youth unemployment and third-term agenda as democratic threats
1 hour -
Yamfo Traditional Council petitions President Mahama over security threat at College of Health
1 hour -
PUWU threatens industrial action over illegal takeover of Ghana Water Lands in Ashanti region
1 hour -
Minority accuses state of legitimising illegal gold and environmental destruction
2 hours
